Great Britain.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 21, 18 August 1917, Page 5

Great Britain.

STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE, KERENSKY’S EXPLANATION. Press Association—Copyright, Ansiralian and N.Z. Cable Association London, August Hi.

The Daily News’ Pecrograd eorresipondent interviewed it. Kerensky, jwho said that a wrong deduction had 1 bee" drawn from tile Russian teloLgram to London regarding the Stock--1 holm Conference. Hi* explained that as the Conference was a party matter, Russia’s Coalition Government could not he bound thereby. It neither favored nor disapproved ol the Conference, He personally thought that the Allied Governments’ opposition was playing into Germany’s hands. DEBATE IN THE COMMONS, PACIFISTS AT WORK. THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE. Pirns Association —Copyright. Australian and NVZ. Cable Association. -{Received 8.45 a.m.) London, August 17. In the House of Commons, in the discussion on the adjournment, Mr Ramsay MacDonald drew attention to General Kerensky’s views on the Stockholm Conference, notably in the Daily News’ interview that the Government had been misrepresenting Ids views, and stating that- when men of international interests had conferred j there would be found that little remained worth fighting about, and peace would soon come. 1

Mr Bonar Law denied that the House of Commons had been misinfDrifted. Mr Lloyd George had been so struck with General Kerensky’s spontaneous telegram that he asked Mr Henderson to disclose it, pointing out that the conference was party to the concern, and that the decision was not binding to the Russian Government. Mr Bonar Law added that the Government’s attitude regarding passports was unchanged. Mr Snowden contended that General Kerensky was not opposed to the conference. The Government’s attitude was inconsistent, with General Kerensky’s view that no obstacle should he put in the way. He.moved an amendment to the effect that owing to the critical outlook, the period of recess be reduced. This was negatived. Mr Bonar Law announced that in the event of a crisis, for example an armistice occurring during the recess, Parliament should immediately reassemble. It is cohsidth’ecV'in the Lobbies that Mr Lloyd George’s speech will tend to consolidate the, political situation. It is the best answer to the Pope’s note, and,will strike a blow at the pacifist propaganda which has been making headway in Britain for the past fortnight. \ The Labor Party’s executive will submit the resolution to the Conference when it reassembles on Tuesday, reiterating the desirability of party to party to portioipate in the Stockholm Conference, regretting the refusal of passports and recommending representations to the Government in connection with same.

THEP REMiER’S REVIEW. GOOD GROUND FOR OPTIMISM. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z.- Cable Association. London, August/16. Mr Lloyd George, • n tlie House of Commons, delivered an important speech bearing on several aspects of the war. He declared that the food position had considerably improved. In August last there was a stock of 6,500,000 quarters of wheat in the country, whereas there was now a stock of 8,500,000 quarters. Stocks of oats and barley were also highei. There had also been a considerable saving of bread consumption, while the acreage under cultivation had increased by 1,000,000 acres. If the harvest was as good as it promised to be, then the condition of the country’s food supplies, taking everything into account, was very satisfactory. He still urged the need for economy, because the more we economised the less we should need from Canada and the United States, from whence France and Italy also drew their supplies. The reserves of sugar had been increased. The Germans claimed that we were losing 500,000 tons of shipping monthly, after allowing for new constuction. In April we lost 565,000 tons gross, but the gross losses in July Wad been 320,000. August looked like being better, and if the present improvement continued, the nett loss lor July and August would be at the rate of 175,000

tons per month. Those figures showed that the Admiralty was meeting with ooiisidorahlo success. The shipping controller had so organised shipping that although wo had a diminished tonnage wo were carrying more tons of freight.

Shipbuilding was being speeded up. and many ships were on order abroad. (iSO.OUO tons had been built in Britain during 11)1.3, .338,000 tons during 1010, and 180,000 tons during the first six months of 101 7 ; .1, IdO.OOO tons would he acquired, whereof 1,100.000 ions would he built in Britain, making a

total for the year of 1.000,000 tons, besides the large naval const-net ion. fie believed that the, lighting losses would decrease. It was certain that the construction would increase. We still needed more shipping, hut it the United States would extend itself to its 'lull capacity* us it was'doubtless preparing to do, we would have sufficient tonnage not only for the present year, hut if necessary, for 1010. Dealing with the military situation, lie declared that he would not e\ change our position for the enemy’s. Our difficulties would diminish and our powers increase, whilst the enemy’s difficulties would increase and his powers diminish. Ho proceeded to read a telegram from the front regarding the latest offensive, which he said, was not intended to he a big operation. The telegram stated that severe lighting continued, and the result was not yet determined. The Canidkin infantry had won conspicuous success and had captured Langemarck, taking 1200 prisoners and capturing live guns. in concluding, he. said: “This is the supreme hour for our patience, courage, endurance, hope and unitv. Lotus' go through this hour with the old temper of pur race that v.dl enable us to destroy the great military despotism, so that next year we and tlu world will begin to reap the flints of our valor.”

GENERAL ITEMS. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cab 1 ? Association. London, August 16. In the House of Commons, Lord Robert Cecil confirmed the English, French, and Spanish arrangement as to hospital ships and hoped it would end enemy attacks thereon, hut Germany’s definite assurance had not yet been received. ■ '*■ Mr Ilonar Law that Cabinet had most carefully considered the matter of the Channel tunnel, in consultation with its naval and military advisers, and was still of opinion that it was unpractical to proceed therewith in war time.

Mr Ronar Law, hinted at the possibility of an election before the Representation Bill was passed. Lord Derby informed a deputation of members of Parliament that r l urkeyoifo prepared>- f tp participate in a conference, to he held in Switzerland, concerning; the treatment ol British prisoners.