In the Reichstag on Tuesday Herr von Bethmann Hollweg made
a statement of some importance on foreign affairs. Germany accepted absolutely the British policy with regard to Turkey—the security of Turkish possessions upon the basis of internal reforms without European interference, but with the co-operative assistance of the Powers interested in the development of Asia Minor. The satisfactory state of their relations had enabled Great Britain and Germany to approach a solution of the Bagdad railway problem. More- over, they were making arrangements to prevent economic conflicts in Africa. These emphatically would not injure the interests of third parties. There was no question of Germany giving compensation in return for advantages in Central Africa. He hoped that all would soon recognize the reality of the present mutual trust between Great Britain and Germany. We rejoice in this pleasing account of Anglo- German relations. We would particularly commend it to the notice of the Little-Navyites. Mr. Churchill's "Naval bombast," as it has been called, has convinced German statesmen that Great Britain will spare no expense in main- taining the Navy, and, since in Germany military and naval considerations govern politics, the natural political result has followed.
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