CHANCE OF WAR

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7866, 31 July 1911, Page 5

CHANCE OF WAR

APPEARS SOMEWHAT LESS TENSION ON MOROCCO QUESTION RELIEVED GERMAN PRESS REMARKS By Telegraph—Press Association Copyright. (Received Julv 30, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 29. There are indications in the newspapers that the tension over the Morocco question has been sensibly reiieved. Tho German and Austrian newspapers are somewhat puzzled, hut glad, that tho British Premier, in his speech in tho House of Commons, made no references to the Congo. They claim that Mr Asquith lias recognised Germany’s right to compensation for French developments in Morocco. MR ASQUITH’S. SPEECH WELCOMED IN BERLIN OFFICIAL CIRCLES. BERLIN, July 28. Mr Asquith’s declaration in regard to Morocco is welcomed in official circles as ending tho false conception of Britain’s attitude resulting from misconstruction of Mr Lloyd George’s recent speech. Tho “Berliner Tageblatt” says Mr Asquith has dispelled a misunderstanding which might have hindered successful negotiations. Tho Radical papers refuse to be lulled, and complain of absence of an assurance that peace will be preserved. FRENCH PRESS GRATIFIED. UNOBTRUSIVE MILITARY PREPARATIONS. PARIS, July 28. Tho French press welcomes Mr Asquith’s speech on tho Moroccan question as hastening a solution of tho crisis. Britain is determined to end a dangerous situation. ' Although tho French Government docs not regard tho position as disquieting, yet unobtrusive military preparations are going on. BRITISH PREPARATIONS ARSENALS WORKING AT HIGH PRESSURE. LONDON, July 23. Tho First Division of the Home Fleet has been ordered to coal and to ship a supply of oil fuel forthwith. Tho manufacture of lyddite and cordite at tho Woolwich Arsenal is proceeding at high pressure. There is noticeable activity in the production of small arms. A SCARE IN SYDNEY ' RUMOURS OF ULTIMATUM X SYDNEY, July 29. Rumours aro prevalent in Sydney that Great Britain las issued an ultimatum to Germany. A firm of shippers declares that some English firms have decided to charge war rates immediately. The reports caused prices -on tho Stock Exchange to become irregular. DOMINIONS’ POSITION THEIR NEUTRALITY. QUESTION IN THE COMMONS. LONDON, July 28. Mr H. Pike Pease, Conservative member for, Darlington, questioned Mr Asquith in the House of Commons as to whether he had noted Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s declaration that Canada did not think herself bound to take part in every war, and that her fleet might not bo called upon in all cases. Ho asked whether its converse also applied, and whether Mr Asquith would obtain from tho Canadian Government some definition of wars in the cases referred to, and whether wars originating under Article 2 of the Japanese Alliance were included.

Tho Prime Minister replied: “The matters in question are too grave and delicate to bo dealt with, by question and answer, nor can I, without breach of confidence, disclose tho discussions and decisions at the secret sessions of the Imperial Conference.” ‘‘POLITICAL CRUELTY.” EUROPEAN INTERVENTION IN MOROCCO CONDEMNED. BRISBANE, July 29. Addressing a meeting of tho Society for tho Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Governor, Sir William McGregor, declared that Europeans practised political cruelty in making a 1 large area of Africa subject to themselves. Tho great nations, ho added, were proceeding to put into force another political cruelty in respect to tho unfortunate inhabitants of Morocco. THE WAR RISKS INDICATE POSITION NOT CONSIDERED SERIOUS. (Received July 31, 0.5 a.m.) MELBOURNE, July 30. The Underwriters’ Association has trteoeiwcd fcable notification thait the following war rates are to be imposed: Steamers, outwards, one-sixteenth per cent, increase. Sailers, homewards and outwards, one-quarter per cent, increase. This is an indication that Lloyds, Ltd., do not regard the situation seriously, as wax risks are seldom computed in fractions.