CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN
I especially hailed with approval and pleasure the agreement with the French government into which Lord Lansdowne wisely entered; and I expressed then the admiration and regard which my countrymen of all ranks and parties enter- tained for the great French nation. I am glad to say that my sentiment expressed in Opposition is more than confirmed in Office, and I wish emphatically to reaffirm my adhesion to the policy of the entente cordiale. Even more im- portant than any actual amicable instrument is the real friendship developed between the two peoples ; and one of the objects of our policy will be to maintain that spirit of friendship unim- paired. On the occasion to which I referred I alluded very briefly to the great trial through which Russia is now passing. All that I will say now, as I said then, is this — that we have nothing but good feelings toward that great people. In the case of Germany also I see no cause whatever of estrangement in any of the interests of either people, and we welcome the unofficial demonstra- tions of friendship which have lately been passing between the two countries. With other European powers our relations are most friendly. And when we pass beyond the bounds of Europe we have on the one hand Japan, our relations with which nation are sufficiently known to the world by the recent treaty ; and, on the other hand, we have the United States of America, with the government and people of which country we are bound by the closest ties of race, tradition, and
231
�� �
