FOREBODINGS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16327, 25 August 1913, Page 6

FOREBODINGS.

The rather glcomy reflections of tho London “Times” regarding Britain’s military position arise from a consideration of tho general European position. The traditional British policy of maintaining a balance of power on tho Continent appears as sound to-day as it did when it was threatened by Nnpoleon, and successive British Governments have mado it the basis of their diplomacy. They have resisted always any development that might place the hegemony of Europe in tho hands of a single State. But to-day, if tho signs are read aright, the old danger is approaching in a now form and Britain is unprepared to meet it. Three times in as many years Franco and Germany have been on the verge of war and now each nation is enlarging its huge army while well-informed observers say that the ultimate clash is inevitable. If a Franco-Gennan war occurs and Franco wins all will bo well. Tho balance of power will remain in existence. But if history repeats itself and a German army hammers at the gates of Paris, the balance will bo irretrievably upset. Germany will dominate Europe, lior boundaries will bo enlarged to includo Holland, possibly Belgium and the northern corner of Franco, and Britain’s very existence will be threatened. The question, then, is what measure of support Britain should give Franco if that country were threatened with defeat, and counting the numbor of trained men who could be spared for servico on tho old battlegrounds in the Low Countries is a painful business to the school of thought represented by tho “Times.” Britain unpossessed of an army of considerable sizo might be unable to give effective help in tho required direction in the hour of need.