New-York tribune., 1912-02-10
ENGLAND AND GERMANY
DISCUSS DISARMAMENT
Two Countries Said to Have Been
Negotiating on Subject
Since December.
.HALDANE EMPEROR'S GUEST
Official Notification Made to
France and Russia That They
Will Be Kept Informed
of Developments.

London. Feb. 1O.-The British govern
ment inquired of the Berlin government
last December, according to THE DAILY
News" whether Germany was willing 70
arrange a worldwide entente. Germany
the paper says. welcomed the proposal.
The negotiations have continued since
that time and the visit to Berlin OF VS.
count Haldane the British Secretary OF
State for War, marks a crucial point IN
the discussion.
The morning newspapers connect
Winston Spencer Churchilrs speech at
Glasgow with Lord Haldane's mission to
Germany, and consider the address OF
the First Lord of the Admiralty and the
visit Of the War Minister to Berlin as
by no means a mere coincidence. Inc
Conservative papers are pleased with
Mr.. Chnrchilrs patriotic tone, while the
Radical organs think that it was Ill ad-
vised at such a critical moment to -four
ish Great Britain's naval supremacy.
The Times" in an editorial thinks the
speech of Mr.. Churchill and the visit OF
Lord Haldane are part of an arranged
plan, and says that a careful study OF
the speech Of Mr.. Churchill will curb
the imaginative flights of those journal
lists at home and abroad who connect
Lord Haldane's mission with impractl-
cable pacific proposals.
London Feb. st is now officially ad-
mitted that both the French and RUSSIAN
governments were informed Of Lord Hal
danes trip TO Berlin by the British gov
ernment before the British Secretary OF
War left London.
It was specifically stated in the notifca-
ton to France and Russia that the visit
was of a private character but it was sig
niically added that in case political ques-
tions should be discussed France and rus
sa would be kept informed
This confirms the prevailing impression
that behind the Ostensible purpose of his
trip Lord Haldane is charged TO survey the
political ground and put out feelers. espe-
cially in regard TO a possible slackening OF
armaments.
Whether the overtures for the visit
originated in England or in Germany is
disputed point, but il IS impossible longer
TO disguise the momentous character OF
the mission. There are not wanting those
who believe even that the issues of war or
peace depend upon it's success or failure
The visit OF Viscount Haldane is large
ly associated in the public mind with the
speech of David Lloyd-GeorGe, Chancellor
of the Exchequer, at the City Of London
Liberal Club on Saturday last, in which
the Chancellor declared the moment au-
spicious for a discussion of reduction in
ornaments, this being considered as an
effort looking to the concliation Of Ger
many.
At tho present moment however. II is
impossible to define the objects Of Lord
Haldane's mission. Political activity is
not confined TO Berlin. Mr.. Lloyd-George
! had an audience with King George to-day,
and the Kings secretary, Lord Knollys,
was busy between Buckingham Palace and
the Foreign Office and the residence of
Premier Asquth.
According to some newspapers, colonial
questions and the possible cession to Ger
many Of Wa!fsch Bay on the southwest
coast Of Africa, are under consdera tion.
The Daily Telegraph" understands that
Lord Haldane will not discuss specific pro-
posals for a reduction in ornaments and
that no result is likely TO follow his visit
| to Germany except the creation of an at
mosphere favorable 10 the cultivation Of
more amicable relations between Great
Britain and Germany.
The speech Of Winston Spencer Churchill
at Glasgow, in which ne notified the world
that Great Britain would go one better
than any one else in naval matters, is
! thought to be part of a plan TO encourage
| a belief in the uselessness Of Germany try
| ing to outstrip her rival in sea power.
Berlin, Feb 9.-The German Emperor
and Empress to-day gave a luncheon at the
| imperial palace IN honor Of Vscount Hal
dane, the British Secretary of state for
War Among those invited to meet Vls-
count Haldane were Or. Won Bethmann-
! Holweg. the Imperial Chancellor; Admiral
Alfred Won Tirptz, the Minister Of Marine
ana General Josias Won Hearingen, Min
lister for War
! II is now generally admitted that one Of
the aims OF Viscount Haldane's visit to Ger
many is to relieve the tension which has
affected Anglo-Gcrman relations for some