The Dominion. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1914. THE KING IN PARIS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2131, 24 April 1914, Page 6

The Dominion. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1914. THE KING IN PARIS

The great enthusiasm which Las been evoked by the visit of the Kino and Queen of England to Paris is an impressive demonstration of the cordial relations which exist between Britain and France, both as neighbours and as members of the Triple Entente. It was inevitable that the visit should be connected with iho suggestions for # the strengthening of the Entente which have recently been. made, and although nothing has happened to indicate that there has been any formal alteration in the existing understanding, between Britain, France, and Kussia, yet there can beno doubt that the molting of King George, President Poinoabe, and the Russian Ambassador wilt tend to tighten up the connecting links between the three nations. Before the meeting M. Pichon declared that if tho Entente is to fulfil its pacificist task efficiently t there must be a constant exchange of views, a definite agreement, and complete cohesion between the Powers of which it is composed; and King # George has largely endorsed this view by hying strong emphasis upon the unshakable solidity of the Entente-, which he declared would he able to stand all the tests that the future may have in store for it This does not mean that the present understanding between Britain. France, and Russia, providing for combined action should certain emergencies arise is to be hardened into n rigid alliance, but the fact that I he Kixo was accompanied by Sir fiiwAKD Ghey, the Foreign Secretary, points to the fact that an important exchange of views has taken place regarding the international situation. M. Cu;mkm;e.\u admits that the time for an alliance has riot yet arrived, and adds that it

: .w i 1 Lsi! ffi co' Ji'fy i"n ft veh t : 'p f - aggros-: \ Alli-. : ' ance;;. i ve ; * Powersiisvififth'nlppsitionV-' to. insskiV .- an,effort.'('iiji'rcsponding .to that.'bf'its' ' t.wo.VpaJrt.nei , s^-i ,, J , B Tiiis may^be-'taken' as -a ."friendly;hint" to-' Britain . that ifc.'jfSvtime'she did-, something to increase;; tbo : slrength of her' Army in 'view -i'of I'tho;:; largo • additions which France and "Russia have recently mado-jto' their "military forces, Tho nuti-liussian outburst which took place in Germany n few weeks ago"; shows--that.-tho Triple Entente must, ho always ready for any diner-' goncy. Tho great European .Powers are now divided into two groups of . three,-known as the: Alliance and tho Entente. ...-The former group had its origin' in : a treaty between Germany and Austria arranged by Bismarck in 1879, and three.years iator ..Italy came in.... It was. a step in Bis/maiwk's'policy, of- isolating France and leaving her'without, a friend in Eurmw. He reckoned on Britain's unwillingness to enter into alliances am] on his ability to secure the goodwill of Russia. .'But the scheme fell through. After the fall of Bismarck a friendship grew up between Russia and Fraaco which-ripened into the Ailianco proclaimed in 1897 bv the Tsar, in tho words: "Nationsfriends and allies." The details of the treaty have never been made public, but it is generally understood that Russia promised to eome to the help of Franco if the latter should be attacked by Germany. At this time feeling in Britain was rather hostile to both Franco and Russia, bnt the course of events brought about a reconciliation, which was strengthened by tho visit of Kinq Edward VII to Paris in 1003. In the following year a treaty was drawn up by which a number of Butstanding disputes between Franco and Britain were settled, and it is this treaty which Kino George had in mind when he referred to the "tenth anniversary of the agreements tending to ultimate cordial relations'' between the two nations, and enabling tji-c-m "to co-operate in. tie humanitarian work of civilisation and peace," There has been a good deal of discussion at various times fegarding the responsibilities under* taken by Britain as a member of tho Entente Replying to a- question in Parliament last year. Mr. Asquith stated that if war should arise between European Powers thero were no unpublished agreements which would restrict the freedom of the Government, in deciding whether or not Britain should participate in the conflict. It is, however, generally tin. derstood that Britain has undertaken to come to the help of France should the latter be attacked by Germany. Bnt the. Entente stands fo? peace, and, as Kino Geoe-ge says, no nation can take umbrage at the celebration of its tenth anniversary, be cause it threatens nobody. It exists as. an enduring reminder'to "those who would play with powder," that they arc indulging in a- very dangerous game.