THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1290, 19 November 1896, Page 21

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Paris, November 16

An agitation is on foot in Paris to increase tho fleet to ap extent sufficient to ruin England’s commerce in case of war. The Journal des Debuts says that the real object of the British expedition up the Niger is to end a difficulty with France. BEitnnr, November 10. In the course of an interview Prince Bismarck said his recruit revelations were useful as a corrective of the French beln-i that tho support ofßussia was only assumed. In any case his disclosures had a tendency to strengthen the interests of peace. BgiiniN, November 17.

Gtwat excitement was shown in the debate in the Reichstag upon the recent revelations respect mg the rayprQcheineul with Russia in 1887 and 1890. The secret obligation then entered into is stiii inireri;oved, and friendly relations have not coaxed.

The clouds of mistrust raised by the revelations have vanished, and there is absolute mutual confidence between the allies.

The assertion respecting British influence is unfounded. Baron Marschell von Bieberstoin, Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that tho Czar was aware of the Austrian treaty in 1879, and the omission to renew the treaty with Russia had not altered Germany’s guarantees of peaco. Since 1890 there had been no serious difference between the two countries.

Any attempt on tho part of Germany to divide France and Russia, continued the Foreign Minister, -would involve sacrifices sfie was unable to make. Her policy was clear and unshaken, namely, an alliance with Austria and Italy, and. friendly relations with Russia and other Powers. While any question of political interest in the foreground was unsettled, he added, it was unlikely the Powers would quarrel. London, November IG. The Spanish Government has purchased the Guion liner Alaska, and converted her into a transport,