MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARMY AND THE NAVY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 151, 1 August 1914, Page 9

MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARMY AND THE NAVY.

way that is practicable. Britain has to guard India and consider the interests of the oversea Dominions, which have no possible concern in the struggle arising from the murder of the Archduke, but Britain belongs to the European system, and must shoulder responsibilities and be loyal to those whom we ask to be loyal to \is. The "Standard" declares that .circumstances may arise in which Britain will feel called upon to support France and Russia, but they will have to be very carefully weighed. No British statesman has given France to understand that Britain is automatically bound to follow wherever her allies lead..

The ''Daily Express" says a small section of the Radicals are endeavouring to persuade the Government not to use Great Britain's 'might' unless her shores are menaced. It would be digging the grave of, our greatness if the treaty to Belgium, and at least moral obligations to France, were hot observed. If Great Britain announced that invasion of Belgium and France would be .followed by the instant blockade of the North Cea and the closing of the Baltic, it Avould immensely strengthen the hands of those labouring for peace. BRITAIN AND FRANCE. A HIGH PACIFIC ROLE. . The'"Daily Mail" says that when France is in peril, fighting for her very existence, Great Britain cannot see lier friend stricken or the Dual Alliance weakened. '' We must stand by our friends, if only because without their aid we cannot be safe. Failure to or-

Regarding the Australian fleet, it is pointed out that though it may be involved in any struggle, it will be, by the terms of the Naval Agreement, under the Admiralty's control, (and not that of the Commonwealth. * - A cable message has been received from the German Consul stating that! the North German Lloyd has received instructions from the Imperial Government to mount 4.7 guns on, its vessels, which, under the terms of the mail subsidy, are required to act as privateers or troopships in war tinie.