Sir Edward Grey intervened in the debate with a really
excellent speech, in which he strongly advised our coming to an understanding with Russia in regard to Asian questions. Our only regret is that he did not go a step further. He should have pointed out, as we have tried to do in another column, that it is no use talking about an understanding with Russia unless we are prepared to admit Russia's aspirations in regard to a warm- water port in the Gulf. If the understanding is to mean that Russia is to give up her most cherished aspirations, then, of course, no such understanding can ever take place. Lord Cranborne's speech was, we are sorry to note, a mere repetition of the Foreign Office parrot-cry that we must maintain the status quo. With the substitution of " Persia " for " Turkey " or " China" it was the old stereo- typed answer, which has never in reality meant anything but " drift." We shall, that is, talk big about withstanding Russia, but as soon as she means business we shall give way, and thus ultimately produce the same result as would be produced by an understanding with Russia, except that in one case we should obtain the goodwill of Russia, and in the other her triumphant enmity.
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