THE WAR CLOUD.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 25, 27 October 1898, Page 20

THE WAR CLOUD.

Caiko, October 21. — A battery of Egyptian artillery' is being sent to Fashoda.

Paris, October 22. — Major Marchand's report makes no reference to Lord Kitchener. It states that on August 20 supplies were abundant M. Baratier sailed for Paris by the same steamer on which Lord Kitchener is travelling. The English Press considers the whole affair as a trick to gain time.

St. Petersburg, October 22. — The Novoe VrnHya states that Sir M. Hicks-Beach has failed to remember that Russia has firmly resolved to support France in her claims ia view of the solidarity of their interests in the Upper Soudan.

London, October 23. — The warships at Portsmouth are coaling and completing their crews. Naval officers on leave have been warned to be in readiness to rejoin their ships.

London, October 23. — Lord Rosebery at Perth : The peace-at-any-price policy invited encroachment and resulted in war. Dealing with Fashoda he added that it was untrue that France protested at the time of Sir Edward Grey's warning in 1895 that the French advance upon Fashoda would be regarded as an unfriendly act. A Tivies cable states that Major Marchand's despatch just published causes the worst impression. It is recognised in England that the crisis is undoubtedly of the gravest character. The immediate mobilisation of the navy is an imminent possibility as a response to the French war preparations. Assurances are given that the Imperial Government are quite ready, and fully realise the seriousness of the situation. Public excitement in both countries is intense. A meeting of the British Cabinet is convened for this week.

London, October 24. — A Yellow Book on Fashoda has been issued in France. It is regarded as an ultimatum. M. De Courcel, late French Minister at St. James', says Great Britain has no authority on the Upper Nile, as the suzerain was the Sultan of Turkey.

October 25th. — The English Press state that the Yellow Book increases the gravity of the situation, and makes threats regarding Major Marchand's removal unless the French give an early and clear reply. Lord Salisbury is consulting bis colleagues on the situation. He says that the French must withdraw to the watershed line of Bahr-el-Ghazal. M. De Courcel says such a delimitation is physically difficult, and that it was necessary for the French co have an outlet from the French Congo to the B,thr-el-Ghfizal Valley. The delimitation should be between Lake Tchad and the Nile.

St. Petersburg, October 25. — The Russian Press urge that France is entitled to an outlet on the Nile.