THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1959, 10 September 1891, Page 31

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

(Per Press association.)

London, September 2.

The Times states that if France wishes England to remain in occupation of Egypt she should assist Russia to open the Dardanelles.

September 4.

It is explained, on behalf of the Porte, that the opening of the Dardanelles does not apply to the regular Russian fleet, and involves no infraction of international treaties.

The Sultan of Turkey has dismissed six other Ministers besides the Vizier, Djevad Pasha. The Governor of Crete has been appointed Vizier, and Kiza Pasha Minister of War.

September 5. The Porte is preparing a circular respecting the arrangement with Russia concerning the Dardanelles, and explains that the concessions are made to facilitate navigation. The dismissal of the Grand Vizier and several of the Ministers was made in person by the Sultan, having been brought about owing to the frequent instances of brigandage, in some of which the Sultan has had to pay the ransom himself out of the Privy purse. The Standard's Constantinople correspondent reports that Turkey has entered into a secret treaty affecting Bosnia and Egypt. The Austrian and German papers are very indignant at the diplomatic victory of Russia in Turkey, and demand a similar right respecting the passage of the Dardanelles for other powers. They request that England should take the initiative in the matter.

September 6. The disgrace of Kiamil Pasha is attributed in Constantinople to his policy with regard to the Triple Alliance. Djerad Pasha, the new Grand Vizier, is a favourite with Russia.

It is rumoured that the Great Powers have protested against the agreement between Turkey and Russia respecting the passage of the Dardanelles.

September 7. It is reported that England increases her Mediterranean fleet.

The Standard, referring to the Eastern difficulty, declares that England is able to safeguard individual interests, and advises that additional troops should be despatched to Egypt. It also suggests that the Great Powers ought to insist on equal rights with regard to the navigation of the Dardanelles.

The St. Petersburg press are jubilant at Russia's triumph over the Triple Alliance, and insist on the necessity of ending the Bulgarian quarrel, by force if necessary. It is reported that arrangements are made at Warsaw to manoeuvre 150,000 troops there.

Vienna, September 2. The Nieue Frie Presse declares that if France buys Russia 3 friendship by conniving at the destruction of the most necessary clause of the Treaty of Paris, Europe is on the eve of very serious complications, for the Great Powers are unanimous in their determination to resist such a course. Constantinople, September 3. The Grand Vizier has been dismissed. September 7. It is reported that the Vizier has been imprisoned on a charge of complicity in a plot to depose the Sultan.

St. Petersburg, September 5. A sensation haa been caused in Warsaw owing to the preparations which are being made to concentrate a large force within a fortnight. The reason of the mobilisation is not known.

A Russian commission is preparing an elaborate commercial treaty with Servia, and is arranging to establish a consulate in that country.

The resignation of Kiamil Pasha, the Turkish Prime Minister, has resulted in a change of policy in Turkey, which has hitherto leaned towards the Triple Alliance. It is believed that the Sultan was much impressed by the reception accorded to the French fleet at Oronstadt. Berlin, September 3. Orders have been given to largely increase the German artillery.

The press declare that the time is drawing near -when the unity of the Fatherland will have to be defended again, and that a second Sedan is possible.

The German Government are secretly purchasing immense quantities of corn.