The Dominion. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1911. EUROPE AT WAR

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2218, 3 August 1914, Page 6

The Dominion. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1911. EUROPE AT WAR

The world is face to face to-day with the probability'of the most terrible-' conflict of nations ever . witnessed. Germany has taken tho momentous step of declaring war against Russia, and, in accordance with the terms of the Dual Allianoe, France may bo to at oiice take up arms in support of her powerful Slay ally. At time of writing Britain had not actively intervened, but everything points to the fact that she must come to tho assistance of tho other two members, of tho Triple Entente—France and Russia. Italy has announced that she will adopt a neutral attitude. This will no dtfubt be a grievous disappointment to Austria and Germany, as they would naturally look for united action on tho part of the three Powers forming the Triple Alliance. But even if Italy persists in standing aloof, it is quite clear that what may prove to,, be one of the most gigantic struggles in the history of tho world has commenced, and it is possible that before the conflict is over European civilisation will bo shaken to its. very foundations. Th'e best that can bo hoped is that Europe is not 'going to suffer the agony of protracted war, but that the campaign will bo short and decisive.. The future .is, however, shrouded in uncertainty, and no one can predict with any degree of confidence what the l'esult will bo when the stupendous armies now being mobilised come into actual collision. Olio cannot cont'cmplatc without, a feeling of horror a repetition of the devastation causcd by. the Napoleonic wars during the early part of last century; but in recent years the resources of human ingenuity have made tho instruments of destruction so wonderfully effective that it is impossible adequately to realise the terrible consequences of such a conflict as that in which the leading nations of Europe are now about to engage. The main responsibility for the war must be placed on the shoulders of Austria. There are many indications that the attack on Servia was deliberately planned, and that the real cause was not the alleged fact that the assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne was planned in Servia, but the long cherished and insatiable desire of Austria to her power and prestige in the Balkans. She must liavc known that an attack on Servia_ would be actively resented by Russia,"yet she couched ,hcr ultimatum, in such extremely ag-

gressivo and humiliating terms as to render it practically impossible for Servia to comply with its demands. Russia, as the protector of the Slays, could not look passively on wliilo Servia was crushed and probably annexed, like-Bosnia and Herzegoviua, to the Austrian Empire. Such an alteration in the balance of power in the Balkans would lie a serious menace to Russian interests. When Bosnia and Herzegovina were seized by Austria ft few years ago Russia was still suffering irom the cffects of her disastrous struggle, with Japan, and refrained from interfering because she felt the time was not opportune for another great war. But since then many things have, happened. Sjie has been able to increase and reorganise her army, and Franco has also greatly added to her military strength. Both nations have been preparing for a great trial of strength, which they knew must come sooner or later.

Austria's attack on Servia was naturally followed by the mobilisation of the Russian army. This Mn turn caused Germany to make a decisive move. The German Government no doubt felt that it would be dangerous to allow Russia to get- a start, and when it became clear that tho Russians really meant to go the full length of war, Germany forthwith declared war. This is really the decisive step which has converted a comparatively insignificant dispute between Austria and Servia into a fight for life among tho most powerful military nations in tho world. Germany's action is certain to bring _France into the .field. A military convention between France and Russia was drawn up in 1892 and ratified in 1894. The**following year M. Ribot, the French" Foreign Minister, referred to Ru'ssia as "our ally"; in 1896 the Tsar visited Franco and received an enthusiastic .welcome;' and in 1897 President Fauhe went to St. Petersburg,\and the alliance was proclaimed to the world by the' Tsar in the historic words, "Nations, amies et allices"—friendly and allied nations. The precise terms of this alliance have never been officially announced, but it is practically certain that each of the parties is pledged to support the other in case of an attack by Germany. This alliance subsequently developed into the Entente. The changed outlook on the Continent caused Britain to'reconsider her international relationships, and her attitude of ''splendid isolation" was gradually and cautiously abandoned, In May, 1903, King Ed-, ward paid a visit to Paris, and later on an agreement on certain minor disputes was arrived at, The Entente between _ Britain and France grew out of this understanding. This led on to more friendly relations between, Britain and Russia, and in course of ' time the Triple Entente was established—a counter move, to the Triple Alliance. ' It now seems that the long-expecte'd crash has come, and all the vast armaments which have been; piled up for years at enormous cost are about to be put to the test. When the struggle is over the map of Europe will probably have to be remade.