Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 July 1911 — BRITISH PREMIER WARNS GERMANY [ARTICLE]

BRITISH PREMIER WARNS GERMANY

Asquith Gives Support to Fear of Conflict in Crisis. PLED6ES HELP TO FRANCE Balfour, Leader of Opposition, Joint in Move for United Front if Peril Comes to Empire Through Threatening Difficulty. London, July 28. —That Great Britain proposes’ to stand for what she considers her rights and to maintain the balance of power in Europe was proclaimed by Premier Asquith in the house of commons when he read from a manuscript a warning to Germany. The most pessimistic views regarding the acuteness of the Moraccon crisis were confirmed thereby.

Further teftinjony as to the gravity of the situation is given by the fact that the prime minister evidently had taken the leader of the opposition into the government’s confidence, and Mr. Balfour’s declaration was no less firm than Mr. Asquith’s. Alarming reports were circulated in unofficial places. At Lloyd’s war risks against hostilities between Great Britain and Germany within three months rose from 5 to 8 per cent In some cases even 10 per cent was paid. Against the risk of war between France and Germany 12 per cent was luoted. The prime minister’s speech was couched in diplomatic, though not reassuring, language. At the opening he said: “It is obvious that the Moroccan question has reached a point at which it will become increasingly difficult, embarrassing, and anxious unless a solution is found.” Later he said: “We thought it right from the begining to make clear that, failing of a settlement such as I have indicated, we must become an active party in the discussion of tfce situation. That would be our right as a signatory to the treaty of Algecires, as it might be our obligation under the terms of our agreement of 1904 with France. It might be our duty in defense of British interests directly affected by further developments.” v Mr. Asquith appealed to the house not to ask him to enter into further details at the present moment, as a too close analysis of the causes of the present incident might provoke recrimination, which it was desirable to avoid. The question of Morocco, the premier declared, bristled with difficulties. French View of Situation Paris, July 28. —The Matin says that the Moroccan situation is difficult though not disquieting, and that optimism should reign.