SPEECH BY MR ASQUITH.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13480, 27 July 1912, Page 5

SPEECH BY MR ASQUITH.

GOOD RELATIONS WITH THE

POWERS

NO CAUSE FOR QUARREL

(Received July 26, 10.5 p.m.)

London, July 26

In the House of Commons, speaking on the Imperial Defence Committee estimates, Mr Asquith indicated that valuable work was being accomplished by tho various- sub-committees, particularly in the direction of coordinating the various departments in war time. Ho referred to-the significant and momentous occasion when the overseas Dominions had been admitted to the Committee's confidence. Internal relations were most friendly, and our special friendships had stood the test of time-. He could say deliberately that no cause existed for quarrelling- with any nation. Our relations with Germany, Mr Asquith continued, were marked by amity and goodwill. The conversations initiated by Lord Haldane had been continued in a spiri^'of frankness by both sides. He regretted the lamentable increase of armaments. All the Powers knew we had no aggressive purpose, coveted no heritage, and had no inclination to extend the range of our responsibilities. Our present expenditure was simply an insurance of our . worldwide interests.