THE BRITISH NAVY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3142, 11 February 1911, Page 11

THE BRITISH NAVY.

NO SACRIFICE TOO HEAVY FOR SUPERIORITY. MR. LLOYD-GEORGE’S VIEWS. 1 Mr Lloyd-Gcorge, who Avas staying on the Riviera, has been discussing British politics Avitli M. Jules Hedeman. of the Paris “Matin.” In the Omrse of his remarks Mr. Lloyd-George complained bitterly of Avhat he termed the hostility of France' towards the British Liberal Party. He said that the French Press seemed to entertain the l idea, that the Liberal part- was- less Francophile than the Conservatives'. “The friendship of British democracy for France—-the only real democracy in Euronc'—has never changed, not even when Tory Gcwernment’s adopted an unfriendly policy towards _ you. Since the days of Fox the Liberal Cabinets have ahvavs been friendly toAvards France. You have only to recall our attitude during the ‘affaire .Dreyfus’ and the Fashoda incident.” THE NAVY. Mr. Lloyd-Georgc went on to explain that the reason for this impression in France aaois due to the “penetration of the powerful Conservatße Press on the Continent,” Avhcse opinions Avere exclusßelv quoted. This Avas a defect,.the Chancellor added, which needed the immediate attention of the Liberal party. M. Hedeman pointed out to the Chancellor of the Exchecqner that- if French public opinion! Avas in ravor of the Conservatives it Avas principally because French people believe that the Liberal party is responsible for the agitation which now prevails in England, and that France desires to see a prosperous England ,determined on the maintenance of the Avorld’s peace.

In reply Mr. Lloyd-George said: “We shall arrange out internal affairs on a sound and logical basis. Mv Budget pro-vidos for an increase in the Naval Estimates of ten millions sterlingn. The Liberal Government Avishes t-o have a Xa aw of incontestable superiority, and no sacifice omul bo tco he aaw in order to assure that superiority.” FRENCH SATISFACTION.

Reuter’s Paris correspondent- says: I ain authorised to state that Mr. LloydGeorge’s declarations to a representative of the “Matin” regarding the attitude of the Liberal party toAvards France have afforded the liveliest satisfaction in official circles here, being regarded not only as exceedingly opportune, but, indeed, as necessary in view of the recent tone adopted by a certain section of the English Press in discus-

sing international questions affecting Entente.

THE GERMAN VIEW

That any substantial increase in the British XaA'al Estimates will promptly be met by corresponding action in Germany is indicated in a message Avhicli reaches cur Berlin correspondent- from Grand Admiral Von Rooster,- president of the German Navy League. He states:

“I am unacquainted with the views of the Imperial Government, but- my personal opinion is that- such an important increase in the British Navy Estimates, especially if it- Avere to be continuous and devoted principally to the creation cf offensive material, could not remain Avithoupt influence upon the naval policy of other sea PoAvers.”