WAR CLOUDS IN EUROPE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 8 July 1912, Page 6

WAR CLOUDS IN EUROPE

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —The extraordinary fact that the German Reichstag, without discussion, voted en toloc the necessary ffunds for increasing Army and Navy snows the darkness of the "war eloucis hanging over Europe. German papers of those days give a clear reason for the necessity of these warlike measures. The "Kolnische Zeitung" in particular, in a- number of articles, points out the dangerous position of tne Empire, and regrets deeply that this- increase of army and navy has not been done before. The "Kolnische Zeitung" says : The poUtical complications of last summer are still fresh in our memory. They showed, even to the dullest eye, that Germany is surrounded by powerful enemies, whose object is to reduce Germany again to her former state of weakness and political impotence. It is-only the fear of the sharpness of our sword, which has prevented war 'before. Lately, however, this fear seems to be dying out. During the diplomatic negotiations about Morocco, it was proved that a number of politicians and a large portion of 'the French press were hard at work to create a war with Ger-, many. The French leading military journals never allowed a day to pass without bringing forward long articles to prove that the moment had arrived for smashing up the deeply .halted German j Empire and to. re-gain the lost provinces. 'Our'policy of peace, says the "Kolnische Zeitung,'' which we have practically; proved for the last 40 years is insultingly ignored. Our diplomacy is accused of intriguing against the security and liberty of all na'tions. The French militarypapers are quite sure—and English experts are of the same opinion—that the Triple Alliance must fall to pieces as soon as war is declared and that France and England will gain easy victories.

According to French statements. England, is ready to join in this grand smashup. not only with her fleet." but to land 150,000 men on the shore of Belgium', to cover the left flank of the French armv.

French military assertions, as a rule, allow always a heavy discount, but in this case there seems to be some reason for such wild speculations, if a. statesman like Sir Edward Grey thought fit to assume the role of 'being more French than any Frenchman in the Morocco .question, ably assisted by aggravating talk of other members of the Cabinet. At any rate, concludes- the "Kolnische Zeitung," Germany must reckon .to find England at the side of France in the next war.

A new German Ambassador in London and the meeting of the Czar and Kaiser this month, may contribute towards a friendly settlement 'between England and Germany. If this can be done to the satisfaction -of both. countries, the peace of the world is secured, as France alone will never risk to go to war with Germany. I am, etc., MARTIN BORAX. Green Hilis, July 4, 1912.