25 YEARS AGO

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 258, 29 July 1939, Page 10

25 YEARS AGO

Nations In Anns

(From “Tiie Dominion,” August 1, 1914.)

The outlook in Europe is less gloomy than appeared to be the cacxj yesterday. It is now officially announced that Germany has not mobilized, and that I rance will not call her reservists to the colours unless Germany does so. Britain is still negotiating with St. Petersburg ana Berlin. Germany states that she cannot compel her ally, Austria, to desist from her campaign, but she is prepared to continue negotiations with that nation if Britain and France will approach Russia. Germany insists on a decisive answer from Russia in regard to Russia's war preparations. Meanwhile a great wave of military ardour has swept over the British Empire, and a memorable scene occurred in the New Zealand Parliament yesterday, when the Prime Minister referred to the preparedness of the Dominion to send an expeditionary force. Public opinion in Great ißritain insists that the nation cannot stand aloof if Russia ano France are embroiled. .Since the foregoing was written, the situation has darkened. Russia’s mobilization is stated to be ‘’absolute, not partial, a,nd cannot stop, and the end of the present uncertainty ,is considered to be a matter of hours. The dangerous rapidity of events is outstripping the efforts of diplomacy. . Messages recording proceedings in tiie English House of Commons, the determination of Russia to stand to her guns, the beginning of hostilities in Belgrade, and instructions issued 1 to German mail vessels subsidized by the Imperial German Government, are as follows London, July 30: The House of Commons was packed and there was intense feeling when the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Sir Edward Grey, rose to refer to the European situation. Sir Edward said he regretted he could not say the situation was not less grave than before. So far there had been no difficulties with the Powers, though joint diplomatic action had not been possible. The Prime Minister and Secretary of State for War, Mr. Asquith, said that they had met at a time of gravity, which was almost unparalleled in the experience of everyone. The issues of peace and war were hanging in the balance,_ with the risk of a catastrophe of which it. was impossible to measure the dimensions. It was of vital importance, in the interests of the whole world, that Great Britain, which had no interests directly at stake, should present a united front and be able to speak and act with the authority of an undivided nation. He had consulted the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bonar Law, who shared his view. Therefore, it was vroposed to postpone the amending Home Rule Bill till Monday, in the hope that the patriotism of all parties would contribute all their power, if not to avert, at least to circumscribe, the calamities threatening the world. St. Petersburg, July 30: The sailing of the British Fleet has created an immense impression. This, coupled with Japan’s assurances, has confirmed Russia’s determination to stand to her guns. It is apprehended that Austria will declare war against Russia next Friday. Vienna, July 31: It is officially stated that machine-guns opened fire from Belgrade on the Austrian monitors, which replied, and exploded the magazines and demolished the Customhouse. Melbourne, July 31: A cable has been received by the German Consul. stating that the North Gorman Lloyd Company has received instructions ' from the Imperial Government to mount 4.7 guns on its vessels, which, under the terms of the mail subsidy. are required to act as privateerg or troopships in time of war.