WHAT WILL BRITAIN DO?

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

WHAT WILL BRITAIN DO?

Germany having taken the decisive step and declared for war, the whole world is now waiting for some definite indication of the part which Britain intends to play. The centre of interest has shifted rapidly from Austria to Russia, and then to Gcr--many_ find France. It now becomes Britain's turn to move, and every British community is anxiously waiting to know whether it is to be pcace or war., _ The outlook is almost as black as it can be, and it is well nigh impossible to seo how the Empire can keep out of the struggle. The British Foreign Secretary (Sir' Edward Grey) is a statesman who always carefully weighs his words when speaking on questions of foreign policy, aiid it_ is quite certain that,.at a critical juncture like tho present, any statement that he makes will be a very carefully considered one. He has already given some significant hints which go a long way to confirm _ the _ general impression. that Britain niust participate if there is to be a general European war. He has made it plain that as long as the struggle was confined to Austria and Scrvia Britain would not interfere, but he has also declared that as soon as any third Power 'entered the fighting arena the position would'become critical. A third, a fourth, , and probably a fifth Power have now joined in tho conflict, and the extensive naval and military preparations which Britain has already made show that the Asquith Government realise the gravity of the situation which _ confronts them. Frahce and Russia appear to have taken it for granted tnat they will have Britain's assistance, and tho London Press is almost .unanimously of tho same opinion. It is not that Great Britain is compelled by treaty to support' the other members of the Triple Entente in a war with Germany or the Triplo Alliance. She seems to have reserved to herself freedom, of action. She probably has no automatic obliga-' tions in the matter; but has entered into a more or less definite . understanding with France and Russia as to' what each of the three nations will do should certain things happen. This bond was tightened dur-" ing the King's recent visit to Paris, although the rumour that tho Entente was to be converted into an alliance was contradicted. " But even if Britain still has the fullest' free- ' dom 1 of choice, it is generally felt that in her own interests sho cannot allow France to bo crushed. The inarch of events in Europe has compelled British statesmen to abandon the old policy, of splendid isolation, for, as the London Times remarks, "we cannot stand alono in a Europe dominated by any .single Power or group of Powers," and if we "show weakness 'and pusillanimity now none would trust us again." It is just possible that Italy s declaration of neutrality may have an influence on Britain's attitude, but taking all things into consideration, the probability, at time'of writing, of the Empire being plunged into war is only too strong. Our Army is small compared with the huge forces of the great Continental Powers, but our fleet would bo a vitally important factor in tho struggle. It could keep the German Navy occupied, and prevent it'from blockading French ports, and Could also cripple the enemies' trade and food supplies, and cover, the transport of troops by sea. If .the Empire is drawn into the fray it is satisfactory to know that it will act as a solidly united Empire. The Overseas Dominions have made it clfar beyond ull doubt itiafc they will range themselves side by side with tho. Motherland.' They are prepared fully and freely and unreservedly to place their whole resources at her disposal for the protection oi our common interests.

Canada, and New Zealand hive already declared their' readiness to send contingents, andthe Australian Prime Minister .now states that the Commonwealtji is '/part of the Empire right to tho full," and that when the Empire is at war so is Australia. This announcement is unwaveringly endorsed by Mr. Fisher, who, speaking as Leader of the Opposition and head of the Labour Party, says that Australia is willing to contribute her last man and her last shilling. The. Overseas Dominions make no conditions or stipulations at such a - crisis. They know that the war was neither sought nor provoked by Britain. Sir Edward Grey acted the part of peacemaker right-through the Balkan crisis. He has also during the present crisis done his utmost to prevent other nations from being involved in the fight between Austria and Servia. His efforts in this direction have fai'oo. but even now the Empire is snll n&ping—hoping, indeed, against hopethat it may bo found possible, even at the eleventh. ho\ir, for Britain to stay her hand if she can do so with honour, and without imperilling 'he future of the Emnire. Tho next few hours will probably decide whether Britain can avoid drawing the sword..