BLUE BOOK REVELATIONS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 168, 17 July 1903, Page 2

BLUE BOOK REVELATIONS.

GERMAN THREATS AT RE-

TALIATION.

Pvest Association. Electric Telegraph Copyright. London, July 15. A Parliamentary BJue Book which ; has been issued, covering correspond ©nee from Ist May, 1897, to Bbh July, 1903, elucidates the Marquis of Lansdowne's revelation cabled on 10th June, in which the Minister for Foreign Affaix'B stated that Germany, in the course of negotiations which were then proceeding, had plainly intimated that if other colonies followed Canada's example in imposing a surcharge on German gcods, the Motherland would probably lose most favoured - nation treatment.

Lord Lansdowne showed that Germany was illogical. Ft was impossible to retaliate on Britain for acts done by the colonies if the colonies were c»n sidered at the same time fiscally autonomous and independent; but Lord Lansdowne contends that Britain and the colonies must be considered fiscally together.

Owing to the South African colonies going into line with Canada, Baron yon Richthofen, German Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that he feared if the Australian colonies did likewise the conclusion of a new treaty with Britain on the basis of most-favored-nation treatment was endangered. Lord Lansdowne replied that if Germany persisted in its attitude a very wide and serious issue was inevitable, affecting the fiscal relations of both Empires. Baron yon Richthofen thereafter expressed readiness to exchange ideas regarding a method of obviating the present difference, and invited Great Britain to make suitable proposals. Lord Lansdowne replied that Britain would certainly be ready to approach the discussion in a most considerate spirit. * The Times declares that Germany, replying on our inability to retaliate, threatened to interfere in our internal affairs. Her change of front coincided with significant events in Britain,