A WAR CLOUD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13729, 21 April 1908, Page 5

A WAR CLOUD.

TURKEY AND ITALY. NAVAL DEMONSTRATION. SERIOUS DIFFERENCES. By Telegraph,—Press Association.—Copyright. Rome, April" 19. A semi-official Note just issued states that owing to Turkey threatening to forcibly prevent the establishment of Italian post offices "t Constantinople, Salonica, Smyrna, and Jerusalem. Italy is dispatching three naval divisions to Turkish waters. (Received April 20. 10 30 p.m.) Rome, April 20. Italy's claim is based on the mostfavoured nation clause of her treaties with Turkey. The Porte has replied that the post offices belonging to other Powers are tolerated, but not officially sanctioned, hence Italy is unable to invoke the clause. Turkish officials informed the Italian Ambassador of the Porte's intention if the post offices were opened to station guards outside and forcibly prevent the public from entering. This brought matters to a head, and Italy resolved to demand the remedying of other grievances, notably the vexatious obstructions placed in the way of Italians and their Arab customers at Tripoli, Turkey's refusal to allow Italians to acquire property in Turkey, and restrictions imposed in the coasting trade.

All the Powers, including Germany, recognise that Italy's action is correct and proper.

The squadron, which was got ready in 12 hours, goes to Asia Minor, and consists of eight firstclass battleships, one second-class battleship, and three torpedo cruisers, carrying .'329 officers, 6178 men, and 459 guns. THE TBIPLE ALLIANCE. VIEWS OF THE PRESS. (Received April 20, 11.5 p.in ) St. Petersburg, April 20. The St. Petersburg newspaper Novoe Vremya declares that Turkey's defiance of Italy is an immediate consequence of Germany and Austria weakening over the Macedonian concert. (Received April 20, 11.5 p.m.) ' London, April 20. The Rome correspondent of the Times says that the Porte's contention is untenable. ' Turkey's attempt in 1901 to suppress foreign post offices on the ground that the Turkish postal service was sufficient was, adds the correspondent, foiled by the energetic action on the part of the Powers, and the foreign post offices have since then been increased. There is „;i agreement- both offensive and defensive between the Emperors of Germany and Austria and the King of Italy. 'this is the triple alliance. Each contracting party undertakes to aid the other two by diplomatic means, as well as by material assistance on laud and water. The ostensible purpose of the treaty is to prevent danger to the peace of Europe by checkmating France arid Russia. One main object of the alliance is the maintenance of the balance of power in the Mediterranean, an* object which is stated to undoubtedly have the sympathy of Great Britain, though no formal pledge lias ever been entered into, by the British Government.