IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2549, 9 July 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

STATEMENT BY THE BISHOP OF SALSSBUri /. THE NAVAL CONFERENCE DECLARATION. United Pkf.ss Association—Copyright LONDON, July 7. Tlio Bishop of Salisbury, who accompanied the clergy and pastors on a visit "to Germany, informed a church meeting in London that he did find any real •desire for war. He found a considerable desire for making provision for war and the possession of such naval and military supremacy as might enable Germany to dictate to Europe in a crisis and if necessary to the United States. The ‘‘Standard” states that Mr Asquith has postponed indefinitely -a ratification of the declaration of the Conference in London dealing with the international rules of naval warfare (cabled on February 27). Hence the declaration remains a dead letter. Ratification by the convention of the establishment of an International Prize Court has also been .postponed. [The Naval Conference signed an important declaration, consisting of 71 articles, embodying the recognition of rules of naval warfare.J THE ADMIRALTY ATTITUDE. WILL DO NOTHING AND SAY NOTHING. . (Received July S, 10 p.m.) LONDON, July S. 'Mr. J. B. Lonsdale, Conservative member for Mid-Armagh, asked in the House of Commons whether gun mountings and materials had been ordered preparatory to laying down four Dreadnoughts by April Ist next. Mr. McKenna, First Lord of the Admiralty, replied "NoT Mr. McKenna, in reply to a further question from Mr. Lonsdale, .said that the naval manoeuvres were confidential, and that it was undesirable to state the conclusion drawn therefrom as bearing •upon the navy’s preparedness for war. LORD KITCHENER. WAR OFFICE WILLING FOR HIM TO BECOME COMMONWEALTH ADVISER. (Received July S, .11.20 p.m.) LONDON, July 8. The War Office lias intimated that it does not object to the Commonwealth securing Lord Kitchener’s services. Nothing is known in London regarding Lord Kitchener's decision in the matter.