Mr. Asquith insisted that this principle alone would govern the
whole policy of the Government, for it was an all- important principle. Subject to its observance, they would do all they could to bring about a peaceful settlement of the present European difficulties. It had been suggested that they bad discouraged direct negotiations between Turkey and Austria and Turkey and Bulgaria. There was " not a shadow of foundation " for that suspicion. They would continue to urge on all moderation and restraint, which were "never more needed than at the present moment." Mr. Asquith reminded his audience that it was in the very place in which he spoke that the German Emperor declared last year that . the peace of Europe was his governing purpose. In that aim the British Government joined, and the country ought not to be reluctant to grasp any hand held out "in goodwill and good faith." As for the Navy, he hoped that the assurance of the Government would be accepted that " nothing would be left undone" to keep it abreast of Imperial necessities. The speech both in matter, and form was worthy of Mr. Asquith, and of the long series of important pronouncements on British foreign policy which has been delivered in the Guildhall.
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