Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-07-28

lSpiAibAis July CT lie must DESSlIlllS-
tie views regarding the aeuteness of
tho Moroccan crisis were largely con
firmed by the prime minister in the
House Of Commons today. when, with
a manner as impressive as his words,
he read from manuscript which had
been carefully prepared, a warning to
Germany that Great Britain proposed
to stand for what she considered her
rights and to maintain the balance of
power in Europe.
Further testimony as to the gravity
of the situation is afforded by the fact
that the prime minister had obviously
taken the leader of the Opposition into
the governments confidence and Mr.
Balfours declaration was no less firm
than Mr. Asauith's.
The prime minister's statement Was
coHched in diplomatic. though lot re-
assuring, language. At the very open
ing he said
1T is obvious that this Moroccan
question has reached a point at which
it will become increasingly difficult,
embarrassing and anxious unless So
luton is found
Later in the statement the prime
minister saws:
we thought it right from the begin
ming to make clear that. failing OF a
settlement such as / have indicated,
We must become an active party in the
discussion of the situation That would
be our right as a signatory to the
Il aatv of Algeciras as it might be our
obligation through the terms of our
agreement of 1904 with France. 1t
IN, Il Df Rfit-
ish interests directly affected by fur
Their developments"
In promising the support of the op-
position to the government, Mr.. BAL
four said:
IF there are any who supposed that
we would lie wiped off the mapof Eu-
rope because We have our difiieuities
at home it may be worth saying that
they bitterly mistake the temper OF
the British people and the patriotism
of the Opposition"
Such plain speaking on question
fraught with possibilities of great
European war has not been heard IN
the British Parliament in many years
The outcome of the situation appears
to rest almost wholly upon Germany
shoulders. If, as some German papers
saw. Germany has reached the stage
of national development where the ne
cessities Of her population demand that
she branch out into foreign fields, and
considers this vital to her national IN
terests. and she imposes conditions on
France which Great Britain thinks
threaten her vital interests the only
result so far as those pest informed
~ 70 Of IA brp9 tened ana
long-averted European CONFUSION.
German government officials and the
majority of the German newspapers
profess to think that Chancellor LLOYD
Georges recent speech of warning was
not addressed to Germany. but sort
Of general proclamation of principles.
Mr.. Asuuth's statement leaves no
Doubt and was intended plainly to
leave none. on that point. While the
cofntrv has no knowledge Of the eN-
tent Of Germany's first conditions, the
prime minister made it plain that they
were such that Great Britain would
not consent to them.
Mr.. Balfour strongly limited at what
is the general feeling, that Germany
thoueht she could take advantage Of
the crisis in Great Britain's domestic
politics in the belief that it was so ;to-
sorbing to the country that the coun-
try would not pay attention to foreign
affairs.
The English newspapers are entirely
united in supporting the government.
tThey are studiously polite IN languag
but strongly urge that Germany snail
not be permitted to make any African
excursion. which would seriously dam
age Great Britains national interests.
a! All the politicians and the public earn
estIy hope that Germanys program is
mot one which Great Britain can con-
slider impossible.
The Premier said that the govern
ment had thought it right from the be-
j ginning to make it clear that falling a
| satisfactory settlement, Great Britain
must become an active part to dis
cussion of the situation and that Great
Britain was not a party to the CONVEX
sations proceeding between France
and Germany, but earnestly and sin
cerely desired to see them result in ar
L arrangement satisfactory to all con