The Sun.
London, England, 1870-12-14 00:00:00

THE NEUTRALITY OF LUXEMBURG.

The Times says There can be no longer any doubt as
to the conduct of Prussia with regard to Luxemburg.
A telegram from Berlin substantially confirms the in-
telligence that first reached us from Brussels,
and we have the highest authority for admitting
the correctness of the information thus received
from two quarters. Countlyismarck has addressed a
Circular to the foreign representatives of Germany, in
which he formally denounces the Treaty of London con-
tracted in 1867, on the ground that the Goverhment
Luxemburg has disregarded the obligations of neutrality
imposed upon it by the Treaty. The Circular proceeds
to specify the passive neglect and active breaches of
neutrality alleged against the Government of the Duchy.
Being bound as we are in some way under the Treaty of
Loudon, we must protest against the claim of Count
Bismarck to shake himself free from it without reference
to the judgment of the other Powers who signed
it conjointly with Prussia. The first step of
the English Cabinet, therefore, must be to re-
pudiate the Prussian as well as the Russian doctrine.
What may follow does not depend upon ourselves.
We joined in the Treaty of 1867 only in the interest of
European peace, and because it seemed to be consonant
with the wishes of the Luxemburgers and to afford a
reasonable settlement of dangerous rivalries. Having
joined in it, however, we cannot follow the examples we
denounce by hastening to evade its obligations. If the
King Grand Duke called upon the signatories of the
Treaty to fulfil the guarantee of neutrality contained in
it, grave questions would, undoubtedly, arise. We
should not dream of rushing single-handed to its defence
—we are under no obligation of honour to do so ; but we
should have to consider well before determining what
course it behoved us to adopt.

The Telegraph says : A statement, the correctness of
which we do not guarantee, was circulated yesterday, to
the effect that Prussian troops had occupied Luxemburg.
If premature, the report is probably to be traced to the
general feeling of disquiet and apprehension
which the first announcement of the new diffi-
culty naturally created in countries bordering
on the scene of controversy. According to a
telegram from Brussels, the Luxemburg affair
was regarded with great anxiety in the Belgian capital.
We are still willing to believe that the magnitude of the
question 'has been exaggerated by popular rumour; and,
pending proof positive, we shall hesitate to assume that
Count Bismarck has been guilty of such an out-
rage on international law as would be involved
in the declaration that Prussia of her own free
will and pleasure had repudiated the engagements
into which she entered only three years ago. If, how:-
ever, contrary to our hopes, it should prove true that
Prussia had announced her intention of holding herself
free to act as though the Treaty, of which the present
Lord Derby was the author, had ceased to exist,
there would be grave cause for apprehension on the
part not only of Belgium or Holland, but of England.
But the grossest ill-faith on the part of Holland would
not entitle Prussia to ignore her ollligations towards other
States, who are equally interested in maintaining the
independence of Luxemburg. The truth is, that the sole
object which Count Bismarck can have in repudiating the
Treaty is to facilitate the annexation of Luxemburg.
The policy which rumour assigns to Prussia would deal
a deathblow to all respect for existing treaties; and,
therefore, our interest as well as our honour counsels
steadfast opposition to any attempt at substituting the
right of the strongest for the dictate of law.

The Standard says : " Might is above right." Count
Bismarck has repudiated the words, but he has steadily
pursued the policy they represent. The renunciation
of the neutrality of Luxemburg is a declaration in
the face of Europe that the Government of the new
Emperor of Germany recognises no other law
than that of force, and will observe no obligations
and abstain from no violence when the breach of
faith or the unprovoked attack appear likely to
serve its interests. The last doubts as to the concert of
Prussia in the Russian repudiation of the Treaty of 1856
must now be removed. The repudiation of the Treaty
of 1867 shews clearly what Germany intends, shews
clearly, too, how much the restoration of France to her
place amongst the Powers of Europe is necessary as well
in & particular English as a general European interest.
We know that the triumph of the Russo-Prusso
alliance will be the negation of law, the triumph of per-
fidy und violence. We know, too, how, with very little
effort, we can overthrow that alliance. Will England be
craven enough to refuse the opportunity, and look on
whilst the victory of might over right is secured through-
out Europe .?