ENGLAND AND THE MEDITERRANEAN.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13438, 8 June 1912, Page 2

ENGLAND AND THE MEDITERRANEAN.

Until a few weeks ago it scornod as if tho policy inaugurated by Sir John Fisher of concentrating the British fleet in Home waters was to bo followed to its logical conclusion and that tho Mediterranean was to bo abandoned

altogether. For o;nt-3 r.n.ut from the strong argument drawn {vc,::\ tho Gorman menace in tho North Soa, tho friendly understanding with Franco scemod to render it poceible for England to leavo tho dofenoo of. hor Mediterranean interests to tho Povor wliicfi is now practically our ally.' it v.:as clear at iho. time 'hcii r'::\

; v <>•,■;■..i|:KiOll

was being r.:. Lslk! in c^ttniu c\\:iYiy-: :: to this proposal. Wo weru teid not only

that Lord Kitchener objected to fclio abandonment of Malta on tho ground that it might endanger Egypt, but that tILO blockade of tho Dardanelles by Italy had introduced an entirely new factor into the Mediterranean situaikra. And now wo se<s that apprehension on this scoro ia by no means confined to British naval experts. For though Franco is amicably disposed toward Italy, it is never possible for the French nation to lose sight of the German menace, or to forget that Italy Ib primarily a member of tho Tripla Alliance. Suppose that, for any unforeseen, cause, such as might easily bo supplied by the . Tripolitan war, th<?> smouldering antagonism between thegreat Powers were fanned into a flame, how would it be possible for Italj to detach, herself from the Triplice? Sentiment does not count for mu«h in international politics, and though tho Italians' hate the Austrians, and havo genuine sympathy and liking for kno English and the French, it is almost certain that a regard for their own witerests would compel them under ixistiDg circumstances to take sides with Germany in any contest that might aurise. Admitting this, we must ai."o admit tliat the strength of the Ita/m navy is a standing menace to Enghncl a.nd France, and that the establisiiment of the Italian fleets in. a dominant position in the Eastern Mediterranean, might .'Ar-o lately imperil England's hold (h'. r.gyjit or her connection, with' .India :%.:ul tho East. Remember I rig all this, v,v.' wr.y well ask if there is not :r* close and obvious connection between Italy's demonstration in tlie Levant. and England's decision to modify Lor naval policy once more and retain Malta as a naval base.—"Auckland!

Star."