BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 44, 20 February 1913, Page 5

BRITAIN AND GERMANY.

A CORDIAL ALLIANCE, (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) Berlin, February 19. The official minutes of the Reichstag show that Herr von Jagow took his stand on an intimate exchange of ideas, wherein he was continuously engaged with the British Government, and which had an important influence in modifying the difficulties that had arisen in recent months. It now seems that they were not only points of sentimental contact, but of identical material interests. He was not a prophet; but ho hoped that Germany would continue working. It was possible to reap a harvest in co-operation with the British upon a politically fruitful basis of common interests. Admiral Tirpitz denied that he had any aversion to England, He would be the first to welcome an understanding. Mr Churchill’s ratio of 1.6 to 1 was acceptable to Germany as regards battleships. This would make it difficult to attack Germany. The ratio would be maintained by the Naval Law; more she did not need. She was not striving for a fleet equal to Great Britain’s. He knew nothing .of Great Britain’s willingness to en-i ter into negotiations. if they readied a practicable agreement, then the| Naval Act had done its work. The | problem must be treated on business lines, without one party rushing into the other’s arms. Berlin, February 19. Owing to the interest manifested in Germany in the full text of Admiral Tirpitz’s speech, it has been issued to the public. The Admiral stated that he only spoke for himself, but England could have no doubt of Germany’s willingness to negotiate if she would ; begin. Ho urged the press to handle the situation delicately.