Mr. Asquith, in his reply, dealt with these points in
succes- sion. He denied that the policy of the partition of Bengal had been reversed; it had only been rearranged in the light of experience. With regard to the method of announcement, he pointed out that the partition itself was embarked upon without consultation with the House of Commons. " The shocking thing appears to be that the policy approved by the responsible Government here at home should, be announced by the lips of his Majesty the King in the one case, whereas it was announced by the lips of Lord Curzon in the other." Turning to the question of our relations with Germany, Mr. Asquith spoke in the most hopeful way of the results of Lord Haldane's mission. The anticipations based upon it had been completely realized. He earnestly hoped and genuinely believed that it would have more than a negative result. Without being able at the present stage to make any predic- tion, he could say that "there was unmistakable evidence of a sincere and resolute desire upon both sides to establish a better footing between us without—let me make this perfectly clear—without on either side in any way sacrificing or impair- ing the special relationships in which each of us stands to other Powers.'
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