IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9115, 21 December 1907, Page 7

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

SPEECH BY THE FOREIGN SECRETARY. j NAVAL EXPENDITURE. . United Press Association — By Electrio j Telegraph — Copyright. LONDON, December 20. Sir Edward Grey, in a speech at Berwick, justified Mr Birrell in refraining from coercion, which would bring the solution of Irish disorder no nearer. In a eulogism of the entente ho said that Britain T^as willing to extend it to other Powers on questions wherein they were directly concerned with Britain. The Kaiser's visit was bound to have a good effect in both. countries. Referring to the proposal at The Hague to compare naval programmes with a view to mutual reduction, ho said that view had not yet been accepted. It was well known that the German Government was embarking on a very large naval programme. He added: I have no complaint to make. I mention it because it is '■ important, and not in a carping spirit. At the same time, if others increase their naviee we will undoubtedly have to increase oure. There 'is no need to be rushed. The present, position is perfectly secure for a year or two more, but if pur neighbours largely increase their naval expenditure, it will be impossible for U6 to continue reductions of ours. At present we are in such a position regarding Eea-power that there is no need to be alarmed at the increase of any other country's expenditure on its navy."