, 1916-08-09

Eut' II 40 A"0
euteled tie conference with two objects in
view. The first was 10 convince the Central
Powers that The Entente Allies whatever their
views on the economic policy were resolved
to wage war in complete unity and detelmin-
alton in economic as in military sphere. The
second was TO take preparation for the peri
cd following the declaration of peace III
view of the known attitude and will of
the Germans. "Our eyes have been open
ed' said the Premier as to the mean
ing of the manifold notifications of the
German system of economic penetration
and commercial and financial control
of vital interests aud the use to which
with advantage this system could be
put in time OF war. Germany, Mr.. Asqnlth
said would be animated with the same spirit
when the War was over. Tie Germans al
ready were organizing their industries for an
attack Oh the markets of the Entente Allies
and for q vigorous if possible attack on ner-
trail markets. The Germans would start
with obvious advantages the Primer contln-
ned through their actions in destroying The
works and factories in The invaded countries
and because of the fact that they had a large
maritime feet safely interned III German
and neutral ports. 1t would be necessary TO
make preparations for the coming Of peace
end the resolutions OF the conferences
represented the general lines upon which
these preparations would proceed. Mr..
Asquith repeated that it was an essential
condition to peace that Belgium and
Serbia be restored not only politically,
nationally and diplomatically, but materially
and economically to the positions III which
they stood before the war. The devastated
districts Of France and Poland would be
similarly treated. Dealing briefly with the
measures proposed for the course of the war
and during the period OF reconstruction, the
Premier said, it was the bounden duty Other
Allies to take every step to secure Tor their
own use the supplies produced by their own
country. AS for permanent measures, formu-
lated assistance aud collaboration among
the Allies these would be left to each country.
He emphasized the point that the resolutions
were not aimed at %neutrals. AS far as
Great Britain was concerned, continued
the Premier, the omens fox the future
were very encouraging. Their industries
had shown extraordinary enterprise and re-
sourcefulnees and there was q greater dis
position among manufacturers to use all re-
sources of the country to increase the output
and improve the organization. Certain COM
mercial changes, said Mr.. Asquith, amounted
to revolution. The Board of Trade was en-
gagged in q scheme to render the country in
dependent Of supplies from hostile helIiger-
ents in respect to dyes, epelter etc. The Gov
eminent, added the Premier, was in consuIta-
ton with lnbour representatives with a view to
the formulation of an after the val policy in So
cial and industrial matters intended to secure
a fairer distribution among all classes Of the
results of modern industry. In reviewing
the situation In general, the Premier empha-
sized two points, first the determination of
the Allies to obtain reparation for the devas-
tated areas, second, that these resolutions are
not aimed at ~neutrals. The attention of the
Government, continued Mr.. Asquitb, has
been called to the fact that some apprehen-
sion has arisen in neutral countries, more
especially in the United States with regard
to these resolutions that the resolutions
might be directed against ~neutrals. That is
not the case. The resolutions contemplated
only necessary measures of self defence
against economic aggression threatening the,
Allies most vital interests and in carrying
them into effect every enaeavour will be
made to insure neutrals against suffering.
There was not a more hardened freetrader
than he, said the Premier. but no one could
be so blind to the fact that this war with its
upheaval of social political and Industrial con-
ditions, suggested new problems and moditi-
cations in the solution of all problems. Sir
Edward Carson expressed general approval OF