THE COLONIST. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1914. A EUROPEAN WAR.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13537, 3 August 1914, Page 4

THE COLONIST. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1914. A EUROPEAN WAR.

The gravity of the news which reached New Zealand last night regarding the situation in ;Europe cannot be overstated. Following tha Russianr mobilisation Germany has proceeded upon, the line earlier developments indicated she would take, and has formally declared war. Hostilities have already broken out on a minor scale on the frontier, and probably by now serious fighting is in progress. On her western border Germany appears to; have committed an act of war against France, her frontier troops having entered French territory and interfered with communications. The French

troops retired a short distance in order that a conflict should not be precipitated, but the course events have taken points in only one direction. The greater part of Europe may now be said to be under arms, preparations for war or the protection of frontiers and communications proceeding with redoubled vigour, and news of the most serious import may be expect-edi/to-day/': Meanwhile the attitude Great- Britain; will »dopt towards the conflict that threatens to convulse

Europe/, is 'awaited with .-•the keenest ;mxiety, ";'Duty!,! inclination, and inteiltst all %end in one direction, and that is, in the words of an earlier cable, that there cannot be a European war with Great Britain, left out. The situation has called forth spontaneous demonstration of loyalty throughout the Dominions, whose troops will again, if necessity arises, be found fighting side by side with those of the Mother Owntry.