Second Edition. PRE-WAR NEGOTIATIONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume L, Issue 14698, 1 September 1915, Page 7

Second Edition. PRE-WAR NEGOTIATIONS.

ANCLO-CERMAM DISCUSSIONS. GERMANY’S ONE-SIDED PROPOSALS. Plea* Association. —Telegraph—Copyright. Received September 1. 1.40 p.m. LONDON. August 31. The Foreign Office, in a statement in reoly to the- Nordeutschc Allgemeiue Zeitung’s article, states that Count von jLietfimaoa Holla eg sketched to Lord Haldane five clauses to the effect that neither party should prepare or make au unprovoked attack or join in a combination against the other for the purpose of aggression. If either_ became entangket in a war in which it cannot be said to Le the aggressor the other party will at least observe benevolent neutrality, and use his utmost endeavour to localise the conflict. If either is forced to go to war, by obvious provo-cation-from a third party, they bind themselves to exchange views regarding their attitude, in this duty, neutrality to he void if not reconcilable with the existing agreement. The making of the new agreement rendering it impossible tor cither party to observe neutrality, is excluded. These conditions, although ; marently fair, were really grossly onesided. Germany, owing to treaties, would remain free to support her friends but Britain would be forbidden to raise a finger to defend hers. Sir Edward Grev, therefore, rejected them. Sir Edward Grey, on the 14th March, off-r -d a formula, which the Cabinet approved, to the effect that England would make no unprovoked attack on Germany. Finally, it became obvious that Germany's real object was to obtain England’s neutrality in all eventualities. If war broke out, Germany would certainly contend it was forced on her. An admirable example is this present war, which Germany contends wag forced upon her. Italy, though an Allv, with special sources of informaticn, does not share Germany's view regarding this aggressive war. Metternich's instructions showed that Count Hollwcg would only recommend the Kaiser to give ttp the essence of the Navy Bill if Britain guaranteed absolute neutrality. The negotiations were thus concluded, the Navy Bill proceeded, and the hope cf a mutual reduction in armaments ended.