THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2230, 26 November 1896, Page 19

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Beelih, November 17. • Great excitement was shown in the debate jUi tho Reichstag upon the recent revelations Respecting the rapproa element with Russia , n 1887 and 1890, and the statement that . ihe recent obligations then entered into are till uuremdved and that friendly relations ' lave not ceased. The olouds of mistrust ; Bised, by the revelations have vanished and there is absolute mutual confidence between foe allies. The assertion respecting British influence is unfounded. Baron Marsohall Yon Bieberstein (Minister for Foreign Affairs) said the Czar was aware of the treaty in 1889. The omission to renew the treaty with Russia had not altered Germany's guarantees of peace sinca 1890. There had been no nerious difference between the two countries, and tiny attempt on the part of Germany to divide Basila and France would involve teaorifioes she was unable to make. Her policy was clear and unshaken — namely, blliance with Austria and Italy, and friendly delations with Russia and other Powers ; and while any question of political interest in the foreground was . unsettled, ib was unlikely the Powers would quarrel. November 22. Emperor William, addressing a gathering ©f officers, said if they were obligad to use jtheir sword in self-defence thoy should •adopt the moat effective manner. The speech has cws>ted a sensation. St. Petersburg. November 20. Germany is jealous of Russia's increasing influence in Italy. Reports are current in this city that the Government do not desire egress from the Black Sea while the ingress of other nations can be prevented by the present safeguards. Paris. November 22. In the Chamber cf Deputies M. Delsuccho asked what steps tho French Government were taking in regard to the British advance On Khartoum. . In reply M. Hanot&ux, Minister for Foreign Affairs, said France was the first Power to aek Great Britain to fulfil her engagement to evacuate Egypt, and now a friendly nation supported the request.