IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143838, 12 July 1912, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

JimCR-RA KEAN-FIXET. FOREIGN AFFAIRS DISCUSSED.-’ B> Electric-Telegraph*—(Copyright. LONDON, July 11. In the House of Commons, discussing the Foreign Office vote, Sir E. Grey, referring to the Mediterranean fleet, pointed out the necessity of keeping a sufficient margin of strength_ in home waters A sound foreign policy would alone 'protect the United Kingdom. Otherwise she must fall into a position of inferiority. The Japanese Alliance had been a great factor in the preservation of peace, and had prevented disturbances in China resulting in international complications. It was unnecessary to keep a force in the Mediterranean which would be able to cope with other Powers, though there was DO prospect of a quarrel in the Mediterranean. “If we abandoned it altogether,” he said, “the diplomatic situation might be strained. Therefore, we ought to keep a sufficient force to enable us to be counted as a power there.” In view of the coming debates he would not say more on the subject. The foreign policy remained unchanged, and the starting point of any new' development was the maintenance ot friendship with Russia and France. He welcomed the meeting of the Kaiser and the Czar, and was pleased that our relations with Germany were excellent. Germany and Britain were perfectly frank with each other on all questions of mutual interest. When questions relating to the interests of Africa or the Baghdad railway came up for discussion, both were convinced that their interests were easily reconcilable. The Government did not contemplate any measures for restoring order in Southern Persia except by the encouragement of the officers who were now organising a gendarmerie. Mr, Bonar Law considered that the Mediterranean fleet was strong enough to overcome any probable combination, and that it was essential to the existence of the Empire. He did not desire anything but the best understanding with Germany. It was inconceivable that there could be war with Germany without involving the whole of Europe. Germany’s trade interests were against war. Nevertheless it was the duty of the Government to ensure that possible war should be prepared against. SINGLE-TAX LUNACY. (Received July 12, 9.16 a.m.) LONDON, July 11. Mr. Bonax Law, writing to Mr. AVittner, Unionist candidate for Hanley, stated that the Radicals had suddenly become advocates of single-tax, a form of lunacy which recurs at irregular intervals, an extreme which is more absurd than the Labour Party’s socialism.