THE EASTERN UNREST

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8783, 13 July 1914, Page 6

THE EASTERN UNREST

Tho unexpected acceleration of the building of the German third squadron reminds us of the true character of the German naval programme. It was arranged years ago, to develop at apparently a certain pace, with power of acceleration in case of emergency without any further reference to Parliament. Tho unexpected acceleration therefore is proof that in tho opinion of tho rulers of Germany .there is now a serious emergency. The acceleration is made possible of course by tho huge taxation scheme of last year. Another indication of emergency is the question of Mr Hunt about tho food supply in Britain in the event of sudden war, and its answer by tho Prime Minister, which took the form of an assurance that “everything that could bo done was being done.” We may remark in that as tho extent of the food supply is known, and as it is impossible to raise it suddenly to a level of safety, that is to a.n amount which would save the nation from starvation in tho event of a naval reverse, the things that are being done must regard the fleet and its readiness for emergency. Under these circumstances the eye turns naturally to the East. In Austria it rests upon a strong general anti-Servian feeling behind the formal request of tho Austrian Government to the Servian to punish tho organisers of the recent assassinations. This anti-Servian feeling shows its force in the Hungarian chamber, and gives point to the inspired statement of a Berlin newspaper that if the assassinations are traced to a Servion origin whatever steps the Austrian Government may take will havo German support. Fanning this anti-Servian flame' far to the west is the story of some hint of a Servian conspiracy against the life of Kaiser William. Now these things do not make a reassuring combination, for they concern masters of armies and seething popular forces. There was reassurance the other day in tho agreement of Greece _an <l Turkey to arrange an arbitration. But the later nows above discussed discounts its effect. Once more the tenterhooks seem to have got hold of Europe. .