BRITISH POLITICS

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10560, 16 February 1912, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

CABLE NEWS

(United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph — Copyright.)

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. (Received February 15, 12.55 p.m.) LONDON, February 14. The weather for the opening of Parliament was dull but dry. Their Majesties tho King and Queen received an ovation whilst driving to Westminster in state. There were brilliant scenes in. the Chamber, though somewhat dimmed owing to the Court morning. • The Peeresses' black drapings were only relieved by white plumes ~ and veils. Tho Speech from the Throne referred to Great Britain's- friendly relations with the foreign nations and her readiness when a favourableopportun. ity offered, to join with other Powers in mediating in regard to the Tripoli war. Great Britain was also considering with Russia the best means to assist Persia in re-establishing order and tranquillity. Great Britain could nob intervene in affairs in China-, but would adopt steps to protect British life and property. She recognises that the leaders on both sides have shown a. desire to safeguard the lives and interests of foreigners. The Speech dwelt upon _ the labour disputes, and firmly trusted that a. reasonable spirit would prevail on both sides, thereby avoiding developments which might seriously affect the trade of tho country and the welfare of the people. Tho Speech announced that Bills for tho better Government of Ireland, Welsh disestablishment, electoral, social, and industrial reforms, and also for the carrying out of the Imperial Conference's recommendation for the amendment and consolidation of the nationality law, had been, prepared, and wouldJ>e submitted for the consideration or Parliament. THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. A VIGOROUS DUEL. (Received Last Night, 11.10 o'clock.) .LONDON, February 15: i In; the House; of Emmons,Sir Hy ■Verney- moved, and-Mr (Gladstone seconded- the Address-ih-Reply.. ' A vigorous duel .between Mr Bonar Law and Mr Asquith occupied the rest of tho debate. " ' i M,r Bonar Law complained that the Speech from the Throne was silent regarding Lord Haldane's mission to Germany. The country had an amateur diplomacy. Sir Edward Grey, should have undertaken the mission. The whole affair was mysterious, though not without the limelight. He asked Ma- Asquith for an explanation. He declared that an understanding with Germany was only possible if the {British position was clear and unihistakeaible. He paid a tribute to Mr Winston Churchill's Glasgow speech. He said if the policy was carried out in the same spirit, the Government could rely upon Unionist support. He denounced the Government's failure to redeem its pledge to reconstruct the House of Lords. If Mr Lloyd-George's somewhat -brutal threats against the doctors were carried out, the Insurance Act would be entirely changed. I He did not believe the Bill would ever como into operation. Mr Asquith, recalling Mr Bonar Law's expression about the limelight,, said he had hitherto been charged with, furtiveness and subterranean diplom- j acy. It was a most lamentable fact that the traditional dealings and tho Anglo-German friendship and goodwill had been seriously over-clouded during the last few months. When an- atmosphere of suspicion was created, legends which at other times were dismissed as incredible, were widely believed. He had been told that the masses of the peoplo in Germany firmly .believed that during tho summer and autumn Britain mediated and even prepared for an aggressive attack. He was almost ashamed to have to contradict the extravagant fiction. The very fact that such rumours found credence, not, indeed, by the Government, but in the minds of many intelligent, fair-minded peoplo in Germany, was a regrettable symptom. Both Governments were animated by a desire to secure a better understanding. During January the Government had an indication that a visit from a Minister to Berlin would not be unwelcome. As Lord Haldane had arranged to go to Germany in connection with tho London University, the Government hastened his visit, to enable him to take advantage of the suggestion of friendly, confidential communications with those controlling and guiding the German policy. This involved a departure from tho conventional methods, but -both sides felt that it would be easier, if they commenced informal!, non-committal conversations rather than full dress diplomatic negotiations. \Those expectations had been completely realised. (Cheers.) Lord Haldane had a. frank and full conversation with exalted persons in ■Germany. There was a perfect freedom of statement and frankness of explanation over a wide area. , The very fact that there was such an interchange of views ought to dispel... the suspicion that the Government contemplated aggressive designs.' He earnestly hoped, however, and he might further say that, he genuinely believed, that the conversation might have more than this negative result. But he could not make a prediction at this stage, or enter into matters of detail'. Nevertheless, Lord Haldane's visit was unmistakable evidence of a sincere desire on both sides for the establishment of a better Anglo-German footing, without either sacrificing of impairing the special relationship wherein; each stood to the other. (Cheers.) Both Governments were now enigaged in a careful survey of the practical possibilities. He heartily endorsed Mr Borar Law's remarks that matters of that kind must exercise patience. Mr Asquith justified the change of the capital of India to Delhi. There was good reason, to hope that a stable Government would be created in. Persia, where the Russian troops were being withdrawal. Ho angrily repudiated Mr Bonar Law's insinuation at the Albert Hall that tho Government was creating offices with the intention of filling them with their own political partisans. He challenged Mr Bonar Law to prosecute that charge in the House of Commons.