ENGLAND v. GERMANY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 88, 4 August 1914, Page 5

ENGLAND v. GERMANY

REPORTED DECLARATION OF WAR Austria Leaves Servia Alone British Mediterranean Fleet Cleared for lAction (Press Association Urgent Extraordinary.) (Received 8.20 a.m.) London, August 4. Sir Edward Grey, Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced in the House of Commons that if the German fleet came into the English Channel and bombarded the French coast and shipping, Britain would give all possible protection.

OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED.

FOUR MONTHS' SUPPLY OF WHEAT IN BRITAIN. AIRCRAFT RESTRICTIONS. RUMORS OF CABINET RESIGNATION. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] « (Received 8 a.m.) London, August 3. It is officially announced that there is a sufficient amount of wheat at present in the United Kingdom to suppb the population for four' months. The Home Secretary has forbidden aircraft to fly over the United Kingdom except within three miles of recognised aerodromes. Rumors are current that one member of the Cabinet is-likely to resign. The moratorium applies to bills of exchange, and extends payment for a month after the date of the original maturity.

SOME SUN CABLES.

THE WAR SPIRIT IN THE WEST END OF LONDON. AUTHORITY'S TACTLESS STATEMENT. DEFENSIVE PRECAUTIONS COMMENCED IN RHODESIA. London, August 3. Scenes of enthusiasm occurred in the West End restaurants: The French and British \ were toasted, and the revellers sang "The Marseillaise" and "Rule Britannia." It was noticeable that a number of Italians were enthusii astic participants in the party. A very high foreign authority made a statement that was very tactless, concerning ''.the suspicion of/ Japan which has been expressed in some quarter's in Australia, and which is em-, harassing to Britain. Japan's sincerity is undoubted. Such remarks when repeated in Tokio are likely to generate injurious friction. It is reported from Rhodesia thai defensive precautions have been commenced owing to the contiguity of the German possessions. THE ENORMOUS COST. It is calculated that the daily cost of maintaining the mobilised armiet of the Entente and the Alliance will be £11,437,000. . THE SUPPLY.OF MEAT. Continental inquiries for meat art increasing. Several large Continental buyers have arrived in London, but they, are not operating, possibly owing to the existing supplies and reserve;for Britain. France and Germany have withdrawn the restrictions against the importation of meat. FRENCH ENTHUSIASM. RELIEVING THE MONEY STRINGENCY. » Paris, July 3. Enthusiasm is prevalent as shown by the public marching in the streets arm and arm and singing "The Marseillaise." Men dashed into the shops to secure Union Jacks, and returning, placed them beside the Tricolour, which evoked tremendous jubilation. The money market stringency has been relieved by the issue of twentyfranc notes. One thousand people assembled outside the Bank of France and withdrew their money. Several other banks were compelled to close their doors. GERMAN CHANCELLOR'S ADVICE "LET YOUR HEARTS BEAT TO COD AND YOUR FISTS ON THE ENEMY." Berlin, August 3. The Chancellor, addressing a crowd, reminded them of the advice given 1 the inhabitants of Brandenburg: "Let your hearts beat to God and you: fist* on the enemy."

NEW SOUTH WALES.

PLACING THE WARSHIPS ON A WAR FOOTING. THE GENERAL ACTIVITY. (Received 9.10 a.m.) Sydney, August J. The placing of the warships on twar footing is being pushed on with feverish haste. The officers and men in all departments, are doing excellent work. ■ ' i The State Cabinet has offered the State's unreserved co-operation with the Commonwealth' efforts towards tlie natidnal safety. There is great activity in the military departments. The forts are being manned, nad other precautions are being taken to guard the vulnerable points and services. The various unit commanders throughout the Commonwealth have been advised to be prepared to act under secret instructions. Ex-soldiers, sailors, /nurses, and others are freely volunteering for service. The Glebe Council has offered all parts of the buildings under its coun•il for military purposes. The Victorian motor cyclists' club has offered to join a corps to serve is scouts and despatch riders.

"GOOD OLD ENGLAND!"

OUTWARD VISIBLE SIGN OF ENGLISH PATRIOTISM. ON THE ROYAL BALCONY. PROTEST AGAINST THE WAR BY NEUTRALS. i London, August 3. The first outward sign of patriotic enthusiasm occurred to-day, crowds cheering the Ministers attending the Cabinet meeting with shouts of "Good old England!" and bravos. There was a great demonstration in front of Buckingham Palace, where the crowd sang "Rule Britannia," the Marseillaise, and the National Anthem. • i The King and Queen, from the balcony, acknowledged the loyal outburst. The King, through Mr Harcourt, lias epressed his high appreciation of New Zealand's and Canada's offers o." help. . Lord Kitchener's departure has been postponed. The Times suggests his appointment as War Minister to relieve Mr Asquith. The British Neutrality Committee has issued a statement protesting •against the contention that we are bound to join-in a war to assist France. Sixty members of the Cambridge University have signed the appeal for British neutrality.

CANADA'S OFFER.

CANADIAN MOBILISATION GROUND SELECTED. Ottawa, August 3. The Home Government has accepted the offer of Canada, without expressing any opinion as to the nature or duration of the present crisis. It is expected that a very grave Canadian proclamation will be issued immediately, calling out the naval reserves. The Canadian Cabinet was in session throughout Sunday. _ The D;:ily Chronicle's report that the British Cabinet had decided not to participate in France's campaign against Germany is not credited in Ottawa official circles, where the issue of the proclamation calling out the naval reserves is taken to mean that \var is inevitable. Mr Hughes, the Militia Minister, has actually selected the Canadian mobilisation ground, near* Quebec. When informed of the rufcor, Mr Hughes promptly refused to believe it.

THE BATTLE OF ORSNA.

HEAVY FIGHTING BETWEEN THE AUSTRIANS AND SERVIANS. Vienna, August 3. The Militarische Runclscnaf states that in a severe battle at Drina the Austrians are resisting a Servian attempt to cross.

THE GERMAN SILENCE.

OFFICIAL RETICENCE IN SPITE OF ENQUIRIES. ' By Elkctbio Telegraph—Copyright • [United Pkess Association.] ■ (Received 9.0 a.m.) Sydney, August 4. Remarkable silence is being preserved by all the German Consulates regarding the war. The invariable answer to all enquiries is that they know nothing officially, and that they have to depend upon the newspapers for news. The effects are already being felt in Newcastle. Many Overseas vessels of various nations are in the harbor awaiting coal, and it is improbable that they will leave while the trouble lasts. It is anticipated that many miners will become idle. The Brown Company's engineering works at Lexham have been closed, throwing 250 idle. The German steamer, Westfalen, has departed coal-laden and presumably intends to make for a neutral port.

FIXING THE BLAME.

FRENCH STATEMENT THROWS WHOLE BLAME ON GERMANY. Berlin, August 2. M. Cainbon, the French Ambassador in Germany, has issued a statement asserting that Germany declared war at the moment when Russia and Austria were approaching an agreement. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Paris, August 3. It has been discovered that Germany, commencing on July 25, had, before the ultimatum expired, placed all her frontier forts on an active footing. Trees in the neighborhood were felled, fresh batteries constructed, and barbed wire entanglements erected. "THE FOE OF DEMOCRACIES." "THE BRITISH EMPIRE STANDS FIRM AND UNITED." [United Press Association.] London, August 3. The Times says the war is a grim satire. The professions of peace are yet fresh upon the lips of those who plunged the Continent into its miseries and calamities. The blame falls mainly on Germany. She could have stayed the plague had she chosen to speak to Vienna as she speaks, when in earnest. She made demands to St. Petersburg and Paris which no Government could entertain. Her invasion of Luxembourg shows how Ger many keeps her word. "We cannot tolerate German hegemony in Europe," the paper continues. "We are ready to fight such calumny. If any individual member of the Cabinet dissents from this view, the sooner he quits the Government the better. A few hours of unprecedented crisis has sufficed to show the foe of democracies that the British Empire stands firm and united." GERMANY'S CARDS ON THE TABLE. London, August 3. The Times, in a leader, says:— "After the example of what Germany has done in Luxembourg and on the French border, we cannot longer rely iipon the presence of her Ambassador in London as security against some SBdden surprise. "True, we have no controversy with her. Wo have been willing' and anxious to develop those better relations which had lately sprung up. Wo were "eager to work with her for mediation and peace. Now she has shown her hand. "She is resolved to crush France and trample upon the rights of those* whohappen to stand in her way. Yesterday it was Luxembourg; to-day it may be Belgium or Holland, or she I may treat us as she has treated our I French friends, and assail us without a war declaration. She- will find the Empire ready. The eyes of the nation are concentrated upon the German attack on France and Luxembourg. The nation knows its duty, and, with the blessing of heaven, will do it to the uttarmosfc,"

AUSTRALIA READY,

I government taking active measures. BAD EFFECT ON TRADE. (RceeivecTlO.,lo a.m.) Sydney, August 4. The effects of the war and the uncertainty of Britain’s attitude are seriously aSelting trade, all buying ■ from Britawi find the Continent being stopped V With the position of stocks, prices \axo anyhow. Most houses hav| withdrawn quotations, lay to day, subd. Irool aboard some unshipped and French Consuls tions calling on liable to service sbane has called diers and sailors j service, so that ir services being be available at .n the price of le closing of the mine, which disl hands, and the a similar number. A large shortening is anticipated at Broken Hill unless the position improves. Mr Cook’s attention was called to Canada’s action in detaining foreign ships of possible hostile nations. He declined to commit himself regarding the Commonwealth’s possible action. Special war editions of the newspapers have an enormous sale, adding largely to the already simmering excitement. The cable censorship is causing delay in the receipt of news. The Telegraph says that the Commonwealth’s offer of the fleet and twenty thousand men is an answer to duty’s call, which is heartily endorsed by the patriotic sentiment of Australi/fe. The Government is making an inventory of the available private motor vehicles. It is anticipated that the expeditionary force will-be a mixed division, though' the Government is prepared to supply whatever is required. Guillaux, Lebbeaus, Hordern, and other airmen have volunterod their services, and machines to the Commonwealth* as the nucleus of an aviation corps. The unemployed laborers in Sydney have asked to be provided with employment on defence work. Unless peace is reached speedily there is a probabilitiy that the Australasian spring Wool sales commencing in Sydney on September 7th will be postponed. The prices of sheep at Homebush fell one and sixpence as an outcome of the decline in wool.

FOR THE FRONTIER.

FRENCH RESERVISTS CROWD RAILWAY STATIONS. PROVIDING FOR VICTUALLING. (Received 11.10 a.m.) Paris, August 3. Special precautions are being taken for victualling the city. The prohibition of the importation of meat has been suspended. Severe measures are threatened to anyone raising the price of necessaries. Sarchlights played throughout the night to prevent an aeroplane attack. The railway stations are crowded with reservists, and the streets are almost deserted except for the miliitary. Cabinet has amnestied political prisoners, and will suspend the decrees relating to the closing and dissolution of religious congregations.

CENSORING THE GABLES.

! The Telegraph Department advised last night that the Pacific Cable Board notifies that strict censorship has been established in London. No messages for Great Britain in code or cipher languages, or containing code or cipher words, are to be accepted (British Government messages excepted). Telograph communication to Germany, Austria and beyond, for messages having to transmit through these countries, is suspended by all routes from France or through France. International private telegrams to France or to oilier countries via Franco must be one sole language— Grerman, English, Spanish, French, 'Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Latin—and must offer a clear meaning to the telegraph service. Official international Government messages may be in secret language. Messages for Suva must be in plain language (English). Telegrams addressed to code indicators or abbreviated addresses both within New Zealand, and cablegrams aro to be refused. All telegrams must Mt> in pl'aiin language, English or French, and bear full address and signature. Strict censorship is established at Sydney on all messages to and from the Commonwealth.

,THE BUCHAREST TREATY,

TURKEY'S INTEREST IN THE STATUS QUO. Athens, August 3. Cabinet will intervene in the war if any State seeks to alter the status quo of tbe Bucharest Treaty.

ON THE RAILWAY.

FRENCH PARTY ATTEMPT TO BLOW UP A TUNNEL. PARTY WIPED OUT. (Received 11.15 a.m.) Berlin, August 3. A French party tried to blow up a tunnel at Oochem-Sur-Moselle. All were shot. EFFECT UPON SHIPPING. Officials stopped the Empress Marie at Berlin, and directed her to go to London or Copenhagen. Capetown, August 3. Severe restrictions are being placed on shipping in Table Bay. Permits are required by incoming vessels.

"SILENCE!"

SAZONOFF’S CURT REPLY. [United Pkess Association.] St. Petersburg, August 2. It is stated that when Count Pourtailes, after presenting the ultimatum, asked ii* a voice trembling with emotion, if Russia agreed to Germany’s demands. M. Sazonoff, the Russian Foreign Minister, replied “Silence,” which meant a refusal. Count Pourtailes asked the second and third time, and finally departed crestfallen, leaving the text of his verbal notes overlooked in . his hurry, containing Germany’s alternative replies, one of them recording Germany’s satisfaction with Russia’s hypothetical surrender.

THE BRITISH NAVY.

ALL THE MOST EFFECTIVE VESSELS AT SEA. , London, August 3. The British naval arrangements are complete. All the most effective vessels are at sea. They comprise seven or eight squadrons of Dreadnoughts and pre-Dreadnoughts, and many squadrons of cruisers. Ten thousand people, including a number of Australians, returned from the Continent yesterday. Many relate exciting experiences. The railway platforms were crowded with people fighting and struggling to obtain seats in the already packed trains. The Bonythorns, of Adelaide, escaped from Dresden, but lost all their luggage. Many others arrived in a sorry plight, having been without food for sixteen hours. London, August 2. The Times says that although there has been no mobilisation, the fleet has been ordered that all preparatory precautionary measures must be taken. The whole of Britain’s most effective warships are at sea. Coastal forts have been manned, wire entanglements erected, and searchlights are kept playing. The men are sleeping beside their guns. Aeroplane attack will be anticipated by mounting anti-aircraft guns in elevated positions in the country and cities. The Chronicle’s Parliamentary correspondent states that expeditionary forces will not be sent abroad. Every honorable effort will be made to prevent England being drawn into the war. It isi semi-officially stated that the rifle team’s visit to Australia has been abandoned.

IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

Sydney, August 3. Notes and gold have been removed from the Treasury to an inland town. The Overseas Club is forming a rifle association of 3300 members, available for military service if necessary. The German mail steamer Seydlitz cleared hurriedly at midday, the ship’s band playing the German national anthem going down the harbor. The vessel, on clearing the heads, was headed southward, Tlie Elsass has received instructions to sail to-morrow without discharging her cargo. ADELAIDE STOCK EXCHANGE CLOSED. Adelaide, August 3. The Stock Exchange has suspended operations indefinitely. AN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. Melbourne, August 3. At the conclusion of the Federal Cabinet meeting to-day, Mr Cook, the Premier, stated that the Government had decided, in the event of war, to place the Australian vessels under the control of the British Admiralty. It had also been decided to offer to send an expeditionary force of twenty thousand of any sugegsted composition, to any destination desired by the Home Government, the cost of the despatcli and maintenance to be borne by the Commonwealth. A cable to this effect has been despatched to the Imperial G overnment.

I BRITAIN'S INTERESTS.

INTERVENTION NOT WORTH A SINGLE LIFE. [United Press Association.] London, August 3. Sir Fleetwood Wilson, Director-Gen-oral of Finance, says Russia has deliberately undertaken a war in defence of Servia, whose quarrel is not hex own. Thus France is morally relieved of the obligation to assist her. He declares that intervention is not worth the life of a single British grenadier. Britain’s interests are too world-wide to be jeopardised in a remote European quarrel. SO-CALLED GERMAN DIPLOMACY London, August 3. Mr Valentine Clairol, director of the foreign department of the Times, says : “At this supreme juncture there is one consideration to which we are bound to give full weight. The AngloFrench Entente has above all revived within the last ten years Germany’s aggressive hostility towards Franco. So long as German diplomacy could play off France against England Germany was content.” AUSTRIANS FOR THE FRONT, Times and Sydney Sun Services. Vienna, August 3. All the day through, the troops marched through the streets to, the railway stations to entrain for the seat of war, accompanied by their dry-eyea women-folk, speeding their hus Danas and brothers to the front. SHIPPING INSURANCE RATES. [Per Press Association.] The following rates have been fixed by the Marine Underwriters’ Association of New Zealand:—Ex-Austria outwards and homewards, via Capo or Suez, French, Russian 5 per cent., German, Italian 10 per cent., British U.K. 3 per cent., Continent 5 per cent., others 4 per cent., Calcutta, Austrian, French, Russian 2 per cent., German, Italian, 4 per cent., all others 1 per cent. Sailers same, as steamers. Others cannot be quoted. RESERVISTS TO REPORT.

Wellington, August 3. Proclamations are posted in prominent points in the city calling upon naval reservists to report immediately to the registrar. NAVAL VOLUNTEERS FOR ACTIVE SERVICE. Wellington, August 3. A Gazette Extraordinary has been issued, declaring that owing to the state of public affairs and the demands upon His Majesty’s naval forces for the protection of the Empire, occasion has arisen for ordering and directing naval volunteers to be called into active service; also declaring H.M.S. Philomel and the New Zealand naval forces to pass under the control of Great Britain. The Gazette also publishes regulations relating to censorship of telegrams, which state that in time of war, or at any time when in the opinion of the Governor, war is reasonably to be apprehended, the Governor may by warrant close any telegraph station, when it shall be unlawful to transmit or receive messages at such station. Further, he may authorise any person to act as censor of telegraph messages, either generally or in respect of any telegraph station. While such authority remains /in force it is unlawful to deliver or disclose any telegraph message without the authority of the censor, the penalty being fixed at a minimum of £IOO or three months’ imprisonment. The following censors had been appointed; Lieut.-Colonel W. H. S. Moorhouse, Wellington; Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon, Auckland; Captain Colbeck, Auckland ;W. S. Curtis. Nelson; John Pollock, Nelson; D. R. Richards, Nelson; Lieut.-Colonel Henderson, Bluff.

FRENCH MOBILISATION. Auckland, August 3. The decision of the French Government to effect a general mobilisation of its forces has been communicated to the Counsul for France in Now Zealand, M. Rigoreau. A summons will be issued to all French subjects, including reservists, to report to the Consul or his agents in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and to be prepared to sail for France at the earliest opportunity. Numerous inquiries were received by the French Consul to-day, as to whether the services of French residents in the Dominion would be required. Arrangements have not yet been completed for the conveyance of the returning soldiers. The Austrian Consul, Mr Langguth, stated that between twenty and thirty Austrian subjects have already responded to the summons issued a week ago, when partial mobilisation was ordered. They are resident in Auckland, New Plymouth, Christchurch and Hokitika. Arrangements have been made for the first party to sail for Sydney next Monday, and it is expected that about 100 will begin their journey on that day. Censorship was established to-day of submarine cables and radio-tele-graphy.

, JAPAN'S DUTY.

1 "WE ARE READY TO DO WHAT DEVOLVES UPON US." Times and Sydney Sun Services. Tokio, August 3. Baron Kato, in a speech, says tfcat "if hostilities begin between England and other Powers, we are ready to do what devolves on us in virtue of the treaty. If our allies are involved we shall have to do our duty."

SWEDEN MOBILISING.

TERRITORIALS AND GARRISON TROOPS CALLED UP. [United Press Association.] Stockholm, August 3. Sweden is mobilising her first territorial reserve on the coasts, also the Gothland troops and fortress garrisons. Next months conscripts have been called up.

RETURNING HOME.

STRAIGHTENING OUT THE FINANCIAL TANGLE. SINGING NATIONAL ANTHEMS. (Received 11.40 a.m.) London, August 3. It is reported that the Government intend to take over Lloyds on Monday and guarantee British ships at a lower rate. As a result of a conference between the Ministers and financiers, there is the possibility of the Bank Act being suspended. A proclamation will be issued extending the currency of bills of exchange, other than cheques or demands on bills by a month. Many German and French reservists are returning to their homes, great crowds watching their departure. The Fnench sang the British and the French National Anthems. Steamers from Flushing brought many Dutch and German women and children, who are seeking safety. PRAYERS FOR PEACE. The English churches of all denominations are crowded with congregations praying for peace. COWES REGATTA ABANDONED. The Cowes regatta has been abandoned at the King's request. INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF FOODSTUFFS. The Times predicts that the price of the quartern loaf on Monday will be increased by one penny. Sugar has increased £ per torn. POSITION OF LUXEMBOURG. Paris, August 4. France has informed Luxembourg that she desired to respect her neutrality, but she would be compelled henceforth to take measures for her own protection because of German action.

OPERATIONS SUSPENDED.

SERVIA TO BE LEFT ALONE FOR A TIME. AUSTRIA WATCHES RUBBIA. (Received 1.15 p.m.) Belgrade, August 3. In view of the possibility of a Russian attack Austria has temporarily ceased hostilities against Servia. The Austrian troops at Semlin have been recalled and the bombardment of Belgrade has been discontinued, but sniping continues. Many public buildings were wrecked by the bombardment.

MONEY AND MEN.

THE MILLIONS IN THE WARCHESTS OF THE NATIONS. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, April 3. The latest figures concerning the nations’ war-chests are as follow': Austria £47,000,000 France £189,000,000 Germany £84,000,000 Great Britain ... £40,000,000 Russia £174,000,000 SEA FORCES COMPARED. THE TWO-POWER STANDARD OF BRITAIN.

———— ARMIES OF THE POWERS. The strength of the land forces of I the Powers immediately or secondarily interested in the present struggle i are;—

i The estimates of the armies on a j war footing are extreme in most I cases, including large numbers of untrained or only partially trained troops, £1

IN THE PACIFIC.

TRIPLE ENTENTE SUPREME. (Wellington Evening Post.) In view of the gravity of the situation in Europe, and the possibility of England" becoming f an active participant in the conflict at any moment, the question arises as to what will bt» the position of New Zealand, assuming that the latter event has taken place. The position is that once England is at war New Zealand, as part of the British Empire, is at war. If England therefore joins Russias and Fiance . in war against the Triple AllianceAustria, Germany, and ' Italy—New Zealand will also be at war with the same Powers. But there is no need for any alarm in New Zealand on that account. Beyond the actual effect of the war on England, on the money market and upon our trade with the Old Country and Europe, New Zealanders have no ne.ed to fear for the actual safety of the, country, the position being that the Powers of the Triple Entente possess an overwhelmingly superior force in the Pacific,both naval and military, as compared with the Powers under the Triple Alliance. THE ALLIANCE'S WEAKNESS. Enquiries made by a Wellington Post reporter showed that Germany normally has a light cruiser and gunboat in Australasian-waters, and on the China Station a couple of large cruisers and two light cruisers, with a few gunboats on the rivers. AustriaHungary and Italy, the remaining members of the Triple Alliance, are not represented in the Pacific, having only an' occasional light cruiser each hanging round the Persian Gidf. From a military point of view, the Triple Alliance Powers are even weaker in the Pacific. Germany has a small garrison at Kiao-chao, in China, while in her island possessions in Oceania she has oly "police of sorts." Italy in her Tientsin concession in China has only 100 police, while Austria-Hun-gary has no interests at all in the world's greatest ocean. STRENGTH OF THE ENTENTE. The< Triple Entente Powers, on the other hand, are strongly represented in the Pacific, and, with the forces at their command, should, if they so desire, be able to capture the whole of the Gorman and Italian possessions in the Pacific with very little difficulty. Their naval strength (as given a month or two ago) is as follows; — GREAT BRITAIN. China Squadron : 1 battleship, 2 cruisers, 2 light cruisers, 3 sloops, 3 gunboats, 10 river gunboats, and 8 destroyers! New Zealand Division: 3 light cruisers and 1 sloop. East Indies Squadron : 1 battleship, 3 light "cruisers, and 4 sloops. ' West Coast of America: 2 sloops. COLONIAL NAVIES. Australian Navy: 1 battle-cruiser, 4. light ■ •Cruisers,--1 turret-ship, 2 gunboats, 1 sloop, 6 torpedo boat destroyers, and 2 submarines. Canadian Navy: 1 light cruiser. In time of war the Australian Navy passes over to the control of the British Admiralty. FRANCE. China Station: 2 cruisers and some gunboats. Indo-China Station: Several destroyers and gunboats in connection with the French coastal 'defences there. RUSSIA. Vladivostpck Station: 2 cruisers ahd 2 divisions of destroyers and submarines and river gunboats. ! ARMIES IN THE PACIFIC. From a military point of view the position of the Triple Entente Powers in the Pacific is almost equally favorable. Great Britain has strong military detachments fully equipped with artillery in, both North and South China and at Hongkong and the Straits Settlements, while she also has police forces in the Pacific Islands. The "peace footing of her Dominion Forces in the Pacific is as follows: Canada, 77,000; Australia, 80,000; and New Zealand, 30,000. In addition to these forces there is the British Army in India, which may be called upon to lend a hand in the Pacific in the event of an emergency. The French military forces in IndoChina comprise 14,000 Europeans and 18,000 natives. Russia has five army corps in Siberia, and next to Japan is the strongest military Power in the East. RIVAL PACIFIC TERRITORIES. The territories possessed by the Triple Alliance Powers in the Pacific are comparatively trifling, being as follow : , Germany: Kiao Ohao (in China), New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Eastern Carolines, Western Carolines, and Samoan Islands. Italy: The Tientsin concession on River Peiho in China. . h . Austria-Hungary has no possessions in the Pacific. The possessions of the. Triple Entente Powers in the Pacific, on the other hand, are as follows: Great Britain, Straits Settlement, Federated and Feudatory Malay States, Hongkong, Weibaiwei, North Borneo, Brunei, Sarawak, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua, British Solomons, Friendly Islands, Fanning Island, New Hebrides (owned with France), and a large number of scattered groups and isolated islands. France: French Indo-China, New Caledonia and dependencies, Society islands, the Low Archipelago or Tuamotu, the' Marquesas, the Austral Isles or Tubuai, the Gambier Islands. una rdso joint control with Great Britain over the New Hebrides. 2'Z. i:.: Si'ioria.

THE HON. W. FRASER.

WHAT HE .DID. SAY. IN HIS SPEECH AT"fAKA'PAU". RESERVISTS RESPOND READILY [Pie Pbkm Association.] Wellington, August 4. The report of the Hon. Mr Eraser's speech at Ta-khpau stated that ho said they could not send men 1 to th<e front from hare,' but Mr Fraser explains that this was hot said without qualification. What he did' say was that it would be nonsense to send men to Europe because" it would be impracticable owing to the distance. It would be quite possible, however, for ail expeditionary force from New Zealand to be used somewhere in the Pacific or in this hemisphere for Imperial purpeses. Mr Fraser'added that the New Zealand Government would be quite prepared to do whatever the Home Government might ask them to do for the advantage of the Empire. As" soon as the order for naval reservists to report themselves was issued last night, a dozen seamea and officers from the various vessels in port responded, aivd many from other parts' reported for service by telegram.

Battleships. Cruisers. Pevson’I Breat Britain 68 110 146,009 Fra nee 21 30 64,500 Russia 8 14 53,500 Germany 37 48 74,000 Italy 11 16 37,000 Austria 11 7 19,000

Peace War footing footing Austria ... 435,000 3,500,000 ! France ... 700,000 4,500,000 ' Great Britain ... 253,000 596,000 ... 835,000 4,350,000 ! Italy ... 250,000 3,220,000 Russia .. 1,073,000 5,400,000 Servin ... • 24,000 270.000