FOREIGN POLICY

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10685, 12 July 1912, Page 5

FOREIGN POLICY

DISCUSSED IN THE COLONS

THE LMEiDaTFiRiHANEAN FLEET.

(Received Last Night, 10.4S (o'clock.)

LONDON, July 11. I The House of Commons is dicussing the Foreign Office vote. Sir Edward Grey, referring to the Mediterranean fleet, pointed tout that it was necessary to keep a "sufficient margin of strength in Home waters. The foreign pclipy a Tone must protect tlie United Kingdom. Otherwiiso it must fall into a position of inferiority. Tf.ip Ja'par.'iso-'a-K'iano- 1 had been a factor in peace. TETygfF-preveTitefl the disturbances in China resulting in international complications. It was unnecessary 'to keep force in the Mediterranean which would be able to cope with the other powers. "Though there is no prosDect of a quarrel in the Mediterranean," said Sir Edward, "If we abandoned 'it altogether the diplomatic situation might be strained", j therefore we will keep a sufficient force I to enable us to be counted as a Power ' there." In view of coming debates, he would not say more on the subject. ; The foreign policy remained unchanged. The starting point of any new development was the maintenance of friendship with Russia and France. He welcomed the meeting of the Kaiser and the Czar. "Our relations with Germany," he said, "are excellent. We are prefectly frank each with the other on all questions of mutual interest. When the questions relating to interests in Africa or the Bagdad railway come up for discussion, both were convinced that the mutual interests would be easily reconciled." The Government did not contemplate any measure icef'tcring order :,n Scitheirn Perria, except by the engagement of Swedish officers now organising the gendarmerie.

Mr Bonar-Law considered the Navy in the Mediterranean strong enough to overcorhe any probable combination. It was essential to the existence of the Empire. It was not desired that thejre should be anything but the best understanding with Germany. It was inconceivable that Britain should go to war with Germany, without involving the whole of Europe. Germnw's trade interests were against war; but nevertheless it was the duty of the Government to ensure that in case of a posible war they would be prepared against it.