NOTES ON THE EUROPEAN SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2219, 4 August 1914, Page 4

NOTES ON THE EUROPEAN SITUATION

To-day's war news would seem to indicate that the Military, Censor was already at work. There is very little information -to hand of the actual operations. A reported. repulse of German troops by the French forces near Circyis the most striking event from the point of view of. actual hostilities; but the most significant happening is the trespass by Germany on neutral territory at Luxemburg in defiance of Britain and the other Powers. This contemptuous disregard of its obligation on the part of Germany seems to have had the effect of solidifying the British Cabinet and bringing' it to a definite decision as to its attitude towards' the belligerents. The announcement that'lSa'si, Kitchener is riot, after all, going to Egypt, and the suggestion that he will join the Government as War Minister are, both.of great interest; as is also the statement that the complete British fleet is now ready for action. Public feeling in England- appears to have been aroused and the demonstrations indicate clearly enough where the sympathies of the people lie.

■ The attempts of,the German Emperor and his.Chancellor'to persuade'; the world that they have been forced into war against their wish will not bear examination in tho light of known facts. AH the world knows that Austria struck the first blow, and tho Fronch Ambassador in London asserts that Germany was the first to take the' decisive step which converted the conflict between Austria and Servia into a great European war. M. Cambon states that Germany,, actually declared war just when Russia and -Austria were approaching an agreement. In any case it is inconceivable that Austria should have adopted a course of action which was almost certain to set Europe ablaze without the knowledgo and approval of _ the predominant partner in the Triple Alliance. The humiliating terms of Austria's ultimatum to Servia indicated a determination to provoke war, with the full knowledge that Russia would bo practically compelled to take the field arid that Germany and France would automatically become involved. Even if Franco had intended to hold aloof Germany made such an attitude impossible by invading French territory, . No protestations of peaceful ' intentions, > however fervent,' can explain away such facta as these.

The seriousness of the situation in Europe and New/Zealand's responsibility, as part of the Empire are brought home to us by the fact that tho* warship Philomel and all our naval forces were yesterday placed under the control of the Imperial authorities. With the actual commencement of hostilities our naval forces would be placed automatically at the disposal of Britain in accordance with one of the clauses of the Naval Defence Act; but the Government took action under another clause which provides that

whenever war between Great Britain and any other country or countries is imminent, or when in tho opinion of the Governor it is expedient in the interests of Great Britain so to do, or upon the request of tho Government of_Great Britain, !the Governor may by proclamation declare that the ships, • vessels, s cr boats acquired under this Act for naval'defence 'or for. services auxiliary thereto, and tho New Zealand Naval Forces, shall pass and remain under the control, and bo at the disposition of, the Government of Great for such time as ho fixes by such proclamation, or for such extended time as he may fix .by a subsequent proclamation or proclamations, and all officers and men of the New Zealand Naval 'Forces shall, during the time or extended time so. fixed, become part of the King's Naval Forces, and shall be subject to the laws, rules, and regulations in force relating to officers and men of the' King's Navy.

The issuing of .a proclamation tq the above effect may ne regarded as another indication of the extreme gravity of the outlook. The fact that the Philomel will now bo kept in readiness to sail wherever and whenever she may be ordered by the Admiralty authorities is an impressive reminder to New Zealanders 'that when Britain is at war the Empire is at war.

Italy's determination to maintain a neutral attitude during the 'present war is of more importance than' her actual fighting strength might suggest. Her 'absence from hostilities simplifies the position a good deal for France. For.some time past the relations between Italy and Austria have been far from cordial owing to a serious conflict of interests in the Balkans. Italy is rather suspicious of the Dual Monarchy's aims, and more especially its desire for further territorial expansion. The Italian Government holds that its obligations undor the Triple Alliance are defensive, not offensive, and as the, Austro-Servian conflict is essentially an offensiyo war, Italy will take no part in it or,in the greater struggle into which it has now developed. Some years ago the Italian Government gavo assurances that in no : caso would Italy the instrument or the auxiliary of aggression against France. The neutrality of Italy is undoubtedly, an important factor in the Bituation. If she had thrown in her lot with her two' allies her 'army would have threatened the south-eastern frontier of France, while her -navy might have been very useful in tho Mediterranean.

The enthusiastic way in which the Overseas Dominions are . rallying .round the Mother Country in the present crisis, while natural enough to- .the. Dominions 'themselves, will probably astonish the outside world:

The idea, has prevailed in certain quarters that the British Empire was not solid enough to resist the shock of a great war. The- South African campaign did a.good deal to weaken this view and the present struggle will probably give it its death-blow. Canada has led the way with the magnificent offer of 30 L OOO men. .New Zealand followed by letting tho Imperial Government know' that she was ready to send a volunteer expeditionary force whenover the call came; and now Australia has announced her willingnesb to provide, equip, and pay the cost of a force of 20,000 men. The wholehearted manner in which the Overseas Dominions have recognised their obligations to the Empire at this critical juncture shows how strong are the bonds which hold them together as members of one Imperial family. The French-Canadians are every whit as loyal as those of British > descent, and their determination to do their part is intensified on the present occasion by the knowledge that they would be fighting for France as well as Britain.

The fact;that Germany has struck at France without any declaration of war and ruthlessly trampled on the rights of ' Luxemburg iB an indication, in the opinion of the London Times, of what Belgium, Holland, or Britain herself may expect from the same quarter. The events of the last few days have shown that Mr, Balfour had a clear grip of the mat. tor in 1912 when he declared that' the German war party were advocating a policy

"which it seems impossible to. reconcile with the peace of the world or the rights of nations. For those who accept this policy German development means German territorial expansion. All countries which hinder, though it be only in selfdefence, the realisation of this ideal, are regarded as hostile; and war, or the threat of war, is deemed the natural and fitting method by which the ideal itself is to be accomplished."

How is it possible for_ Britain to play the role of a passive onlooker while such a Power crushed France and dominated the Continent of Europe ?. ■