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Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXII, Issue 12394, 19 February 1908, Page 5

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The Anglo-Russian Convention.

Press Association. — Telegraph. — Copyright

Received February 19, 10.44 p.m.

LONDON, February 18,

In the House of Commons, Earl Percy moved Ihat, while welcoming the principle of the Anglo-Russian Convention, the House considered that the terms • m volvjd a material sacrifice of British interests and left room for international misunderstanding. Sir Edward jfrey, in a masterly reply, declared that the agreement made the peace of the world more 6ecure. He denied that Britain had sacrificed its great com jnercial prospects in Persia, but admitted that strategic consideration had been paramount with the Government. The danger U. India through Persia was now very remote. He explained that a special provision had been inserted respecting the Persian side of the Gulf, whereas in future probably the Mesopotamian side would be more important. The right of the Ame"er to develop Afghanistan as he pleased was not lestricted, and the British position in Tibet remained unaltered.

Mr Balfour declared that the Govern ment had not scored a great diplomatic success, though he admitted it would be a strategic gain if the agreement prevented Leistan becoming a base for attacking India.

Mr Morley described the Convention as a most momentous instrument in connection with the defence of India. The motion was withdrawn.