DECLARATION OF LONDON.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 92, 8 June 1911, Page 5

DECLARATION OF LONDON.

GERMAN CAUSTIC COMMENT. Berlin, Juno 7. The Kruz Zeitung, in commending the Imperial Conference’s approval of the Declaration of London, doubts whether in war time the British under another Government would strictly adhere to the codified laws of naval warfare. It declares that Sir Edward Grey’s statement regarding the supremacy of the fleet is scarcely in harmony with the new code, and describes as equally questionable Lord Morley’s statement in the House of Lords that the Admiralty believes the effect of the Declaration on the conduct of naval warfare would be slight. The paper quotes other speeches of British statesmen, especially their references to Britain’s claim to blockade the North Sea in war time. It argues that with changing party Government such an intention might be fulfilled. Sea Powers must therefore reckon on tbs possibility of British naval law being hereafter, as hitherto, expressed to the satisfaction of neutrals, whom even Britain must handle cautiously. Britain’s ' present willingness to make concessions for the protection of neutral and weaker States is an indication that in view of possible coalitions she regards the establishment of international rules of naval warfare as useful in her own interests. Y AERIAL NAVIGATION. FRENCH AVIATION VOTE 1NParis, June 7. The vote for military aviation has been increased from £20,000 to £70,000 this year. / ANOTHER RECORD. Berlin, June 7. Hirth acroplaned with a passenger to a height of 5000 ft at Josannisthal, which . constitutes a world’s record. ' : ’■ ... ■•• * . * THE OVERSEAS PREMIERS. BRITON AND BOER. THEN AND NOW: A STRIKING CONTRAST. SUEZ CANAL EXTORTIONS. A BAR TO CLOSER UNITY. London, June 7. General Botha, in a speech at Bristol, contrasted the occasion with the lime when ho did his very best to prevent Englishmen from surrounding him. They were now surrounding him as friends, he representing a country where th* English and Dutch had grasped hands ii friendship for ever. Mr. Fisher, Sir Joseph Ward and Gen eral Botha visited Avonmouth dock. They wore the guests of the local Cham her of Commerce at dinner. Sir Josepl Ward, responding to the toast of “Th Prime Ministers of the Overseas Domin ions,” dealt with the closer union of tin Motherland and tlie .practical work o) the Imperial Conference, and said in th latter connection that it was no usr assembling unless they, left a. record o‘. work' telling its talc in the future. IL believed the present Conference would show a record of work that would prow valuable to those attending the next conference. He wanted to take the Opportunity presented at this meeting of representatives of commerce and shipping to ask them to consider how to get rid of the detestable toll-bar between Britain and the dominions in the shape of the extortionate charges on every ton of cargo traversing the Suez Canal. If they desired to bring the distant portions of the Empire closer they must have —e means .of transport as cheap a? possible. THE BLOOD - SUCKING POLICY’ * OF THE SUEZ CANAL. SIR JOSEPH WARD’S DENUNCIATION. • London. June 7. Sir Joseph Ward, continuing, said a company had stated that a sum of £30,000 was imposed annually on on? line of steamers traversing the canal. The sum was equal to the whole payments made for officers and men. Was it not time Britain and France, as owners of the Suez Canal, began to realise that over a million sterling taken, at far as one partner was concerned, from tjlic pockets of those using the canal, over and above the dividend of 3 pccent. on the capital, was extortionate - Ere long our American cousins, whwere going to control the Panama Canawould show that they had not ir-fcfl the mistake of putting a large ba against shipping and the dcvclopinea - , of trade across the Pacific. His mokv,. brought the question before the ist,' Conference, and he heartily endorsed Mr. Fisher’s efforts in the same direction at this Conference. It was a matter of exceptional importance in connection with perishable products. He concluded by urging the Motherland to co-operate with Canada. Australia and New Zealand to secure the completion of a State-owned cable - , projected several years ago, whereof the first link had already been successfully laid across the Pacific to Canada. General Botha emphasised the farreaching importance of the Imperial Government’s decision to take the dominions into its confidence in relation to external problems. This policy would greatly strengthen the cause of Imperial unity. NATIONAL ASSURANCE BILL. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES’ ATTITUDE. London, May 7. _ Mr. Mills, vice-president, in a speech aunt the Hearts of Oak Society’s annual declared that they did not require the Government to teach them thrift. It would ho the endeavor ni i, tho 400,000 members, with nearly £4,000,000, to resist any inroads of their resources by any Government. It was resolved to invite Mr. Lloyd-George to meet them and discuss tho Bill. The Manchester Unity of Oddfellows approved the National Assurance Bill, provided amendments safeguarding friendly societies were made.