The Dominion. FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1912. THE TURCO-ITALIAN WAR.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1424, 26 April 1912, Page 4

The Dominion. FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1912. THE TURCO-ITALIAN WAR.

The repeated offers of mediation on the part of the great Powers with a view to ending the Turco-Italian war leave little'room for doubt that the position is one that if allowed to continue indefinitely will seriously threaten the peace of Europe. Dr. E. J. Dillon, the well-known publicist, writing in his usual graphic style, says the position "may be likened to the firing of rockets over an open gunpowder magazine—at' any moment a spark may alight on it and produce a terrific explosion." The Times, of London, the other day declared that the strength of the British Army in Egypt was dangerously low, especially in view of the possibilities of the Turco-Italian war. It also suggested that when troops are withdrawn from South Africa they should bo sent to Egypt, a recommendation that could not be made on other than well-established grounds. It is a complicated situation, the key to which, it may be said, is held by the clique of terrorists who comprise the inner faction of the Turkish Comiiiitteo of Union and Progress, so-called, which today is in control of the 'destinies of the Ottoman Empire. The Young Turkish Committee came into existence three years ago; its advent was\ dramatic, overthrowing in one decisive act, with the aid of the Army, the infamous Abdul Hamiu regi?ne, and promising under a newly-formed Constitution reforms that ■would make. Tiii'lii'y a progressive and l*uniaiie nation, and lift it to the level of other European countries. How completely these hope;; have been falsified is now a matter of history. Last week wo wexe iniormod in a.

cable message that unless the Young Turks fulfilled their pledges nothing can save them from disaster, anti Europe from a grave peril. The main results of the.new Turkish rule have been the dangerous tension with France and the Powers of the Triple Knlcntc; the massacre of Armenians at Adana; risings and rebellions in Albania; the threatened loss of Tripoli, and the Empire in a state of seething unrest. It is only by appeals to the patriotism of the Turkish people, and tho exploitation of the war that the Young Turk party continue- to exist. The supremacy and very existence of the Young Turk Government, therefore, would seem to depend on the continuance of the war and the final establishment of peace on terms that will not involve the loss of Tripoli or any other conditions inflicting humiliation on Turkey. It is difficult to conceive a situation more desperate. It may be taken as granted that the decree of annexation promulgated by Italy will not be lightly waived, for no great Power having taken this step can recede without loss of dignity and loss of prestige. At the present time the only solution seems to be the compulsory and arbitrary intervention of Europe which in many quarters it is believed will come in due time.

The latest reply, given a little over a week ago, to peace representations made by the leading European Powers to Turkey was that "the first essential is that the Italian decree annexing Tripoli must be toVn up." This naturally creates a deadlock. The Triple Alliance has within the past few clays been extended onwards from 1914, despite Germany's outspoken sympathy with Turkey, a circumstance that is a plain confessron of the hollowness and insincerity of Germany's professed friendship f< Turkey, which friendship the latter country was perhaps justified in regarding as a sufficient guarantee against European aggression. It must, moreover, be remembered that the first overtures for peace mediation came from the Foreign Offici, of Turkey's traditional enemy, Russia, which country cannot be accused of any sentimental or altruistic feelings towards Constantinople. The proposals were couched in terms astutely diplomatic, and while intended to be effective in their purpose were not likely to offend the susceptibilities of the Porte. The Russian scheme consisted in the proclamation of an armistice, to be followed by the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the African province and the recall of the Italian squadron. This suggestion, if carried out would convert a subdued European war into a mere colonial expedition devoid of danger to other States—an excellent purpose, but not the one Russia had at heart.

The Turks are likely to remain obdurate until a crisis is forced. They argue that'if the Italians cannot be driven into the sea, the Turkish forces and the Arabs cannot be driven out of the desert, and the invaded province cannot be effectively occupied for years to come. Meanwhile Italy must spend vast sums i' prosecuting the war, which Turkey purposes to protract indefinitely wit' a view to achieving the bankruptcy of the enemy. The crucial question now is—How long will the interests" Powers of Europe refrain from a step that by ending the war will not only bring about in all likelihood the dissolution of the Turkish Empire, but the probability as well of a readjustment of the balance of power in the Mediterranean.