THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6161, 14 February 1888, Page 4

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

The Triple Alliance. Russia and Turkey. England's Compact. [Special 70 Press Association.] ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 11. The Czar is favourably impressed with the speech' delivered to the German Eeichstag by Prince Bislnarelr. CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 12. In consequence of the menaces of M. Melidoffs, the Russian Ambassador, to Turkey to "withdraw if Kiazim Pasha was Eent to Sofia, it has been decided not to send the Kiazim. HOME, Feb. 12. The' text of the new Triple Alliance between Italy, Austria, and Germany has been published in the city. In this Austria pledges herself to a benign neutrality in the event of a Franco - Italian war, and Italy will observe neutrality should Russia and Austria become engaged in war. Austria is pledged to promote Italian interests iv tho Mediterranean, but will take no part in the Balkans dispute without first having obtained the consent of Italy. The latter is pledged to offer mutual assistance to Q ermany, if France attack Germany or Austria, but if a Franco-Russian attack is made on either Germany or Austria then the three Powers shall place the full strength of their allied armies against the aggressors. A supplementary treaty i 3 being arranged between Italy, Austria, and England, providing for the defence of the former's coast in tbe event of any hostile landing being made by either France or Russia. LONDON, Feb. 11. The Right Hon E. Stanhope, Secretary for War, stated in the House of Commons last night that he was arranging a scheme by which the British forces could be mobilised at forty-eight hours' notice. The completion of the scheme was, he mentioned, beiug pushed on with all possible despatch.