ABSTRACT
The German Government had agreed in principle to an exchange of information about the work actually in hand or projected in their shipyards. Edward Grey had looked upon an exchange of information as the first step to a wider agreement for the limitation of armaments. Grey told the French and Russian Governments confidentially that the negotiations were reopened; he also told the German Chancellor that France and Russia knew that Anglo-German discussions were taking place. He described the paradox that the armaments of Europe were increasing rapidly at a time when there was an improvement in the relations between the Great Powers. Grey quoted some speeches of the President of the United States. He pointed out that no official proposal had followed these speeches, but that, if public opinion would discuss large proposals in a spirit which looked beyond the immediate gains of this or that nationality, there was some hope of success.
