Britain's Foreign Outlook.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXV, Issue 3943, 23 November 1908, Page 2

Britain's Foreign Outlook.

London, November 21

Sir Edward Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, made an important speech at Scarborough, Yorkshire.

At the outset he acknowledged the generous support that had been given by the leaders of the Opposition in the House of Lords and House of Commons to the Government's foreign policy. This had enabled them to create abroad an impression of stability and solidity which would be very valuable.

Sir Edward noted that the difference between Germany and France regarding the trivial incident in Morocco had been settled in a way consistent with the dignity of both those nations.

Referring to the crisis in Germany, he noted the fact that although the speakers in the Reichstag spoke their minds with exceeding freedom, none had indicated hostility towards Great Britain or any other country. Until recently the Powers had despaired of Turkey, yet the most wonderful and beneficent change seen in history had now occurred there, the good forces lying latent having suddenly gained the upper hand, and the reformers had the army at their back. Sir Edward Grey continued : "Great Britain must have and maintain a navy able to overcome any probable combination able to be brought against her. There is no half way house between complete safety and absolute ruin."

Referring to affairs in the Near East, Sir Edward trusted that the conferences of Powers would dispose of the difficulties there, but said: "You cannot force a conference and have a satisfactory result."

Progress had, he admitted, been slow, but now it was desirable that time should not be wasted. Some progress had been made this week, because Turkey had been assured of sympathy and fair play in the Councils of Europe. Further difficulties remained to be overcome, but the winter, which was unfavourable to action in the Balkans, was favourable to counsels.

Mr Arthur Balfour, the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons, in an address to a gathering of 45,000 people at Cardiff in connection with the annual conference of the National Union Conservative Associations, declared that while the Government continued the traditional policy of the Marquis of Lansdowne and the Marquis of Salisbury in foreign affairs, the Unionists could do nothing to weaken Great Britain's voice in the Councils of Europe. Mr Balfour said, speaking with regard to national defence, that Mr Asquith's recent statement suggested that the Government really intended to adhere to the traditional policy of successive Governments respecting the navy. Nevertheless it was essential to also maintain an adequate military force. He ridiculed the Government's insatiable appetite for legislation, instancing the dropping or withdrawing of three Education Bills in three years, and the fact that they were now about to introduce a fourth. He deprecated attacks on the Church in Wales, which was showing itself a living vital force. He was confident the temperance reformers were working on wrong lines in the Licensing Bill, and thought the House of Lords was perfectly safe, despite Mr Augustine Birrell's vituperative rhetoric. Sii London, November 22. The Spectator strongly protests against the Liberal journals whittling away Mr Asquith'a declaration in reference to the navy by pretending that the fleets of the United States and Japan should not be considered.