GERMANY THE ENEMY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 190, 29 July 1911, Page 1

GERMANY THE ENEMY.

THE CRISIS SERIOUS. STATEMENT BY MR. ASQUITH. EARNEST APPEAL FOR THE CONFIDENCE OF THE HOUSE. ACTIVITY AT WOOLWICH ARSENAL.

(press association. —copyright].

London. July 28. , EXt ITEMENT IN SYDNEY

In the House of Commons. Mr. Asquith declared that the situation had reached the point at which it became difficult and harrassing unless a solution was found. A too close analysis of the causes of the present incident might provoke recrimination. lie earnestly app'-a’-ed to the House not to enter into further details at present. The question of Morocco bristled wit’i difficulties, but in other parts ci West Africa Britain would not think of interfering with the territorial arrangements which were considered reasonable by those directly interested. Any statement that Britain had prejudiced the negotiations between France and Germany was of mischievous inten-i lion. It was a grave mistake to let the situation drift until the assertion of our interests would cause surprise and resentment. The (o vernment thought it right in the beginning to make it clear that, failing a settlement, they must become an active party in the discussion. It might be our obligation under the French agreement of 1904; it, might be our duty, in. deference to the British interests directly affected. He hoped that his own statement made in the House of Commons three weeks ago and Mr. Lloyd George s statement at the Mansion House, made it perfectly clear that we claimed no predominant or pre-eminent position. but claimed the position of a party interested in seeing a solution of the present difficulties.

STATEMENT BY MR. BALFOUR; I ; PARTY DISPUTES PUSHED ; ASIDE. i Mr. Balfour, who had previously! been in consultation with Sir Ed-j ward Grey, emphasised the non-; party attitude. He said: — ‘’Any, critics who counted upon our ab-l sorption in home disputes making i it easy to wipe us out of the map ofl Europe because we had difficulties • at home utterly mistook the temper! of the British people and the! patriotism of the Opposition.

WHERE ENGLAND’S DANGER ; LIES.

Mr. Ramsay Macdonald declared; that the organised Labour forces in! all countries would stand for peace, in fair and foul weather. He was sorrv that Mr. Lloyd George made; the Mansion House speech (Opposi-! tion cries of "No ). because the, statement should have been made in private channels. He did not agree with private negotiations; wherein the public were absolutely, powerless to influence the direction, of the negotiations. The Labour partv would co-operate with the Labourites of Germany and France to the last moment in the interests of peace. If the path of peace be; wrecked at the present moment we shall stand by peace after it has been wrecked. GERMAN WARNING. Berlin. July 2"*. | An inspired Lvlkcuoccommunique ( published in the ‘ Lokal Anzeiger ’ declares that Germany is indisposed to tolerate a wanton and frivo - lous interference, and issues a warning to impertinent disputers of , peace. The "hands off” phrase is ! much quoted, recalling Mr. Glad- 1 stone’s warning to Austria regard-1 •ng the occupation of Bosnia in! >B7B. '

RUMOURS OF AN ULTIMATUM.. (Received 29. 10.10 a.m.) Sydney, July 29. Rumours are prevalent in Sydney that Great Britain has issued an ultimatum to Germany. A firm of shippers declared some English firms liad decitied to charge war rates immediately. The reports caused prices at the Stock Exchange to become irregular. BERLIN SOMEWHAT APPEASED. I Received 29, 10.20 a.m.) Berlin, July 28. Mr. Asquith’s remarks concern ! ing Morocco are welcomed in official circles, “ending the false conceptions of Britain's attitude resulting in the mis conception of Mr. Lloyd-George’s speech.’’ The "Berliner Tageblatt” says! Mr. Asquith has dispelled the misunderstanding which might have hindered successful negotiations. RADICALS REFUSE TO BE • LULLED. i Radical parties refuse to be lulled : and complain of the absence of assurances. THE FEELING IN FRANCE. Paris, July 28. The Press welcome Mr. Asquith’s remarks as hastening a solution of; the crisis and state that Britain is determined to end the dangerous situation though the French Government did not regard the position as disquieting, yet unobstrusive military preparations are going on. HOME FLEET IN READINESS. CORDITE FACTORY AT HIGH PRESSURE.

London. July 28. The first division of the Home, Fleet has been ordered to coal and; ship supplies of oil fuel forthwith.; The manufacture of lydite and cordite at Woolwich is proceeding! at high pressure. There is also noticeable activity: in the production of small arms.