The record-union., 1898-09-03
Embracing In Certain EyentuaIities an o.
fensiVe and Defensive Policy.
Great Britain to Have the Support
of Germany in Egyptian Affairs,
While England Will Recognize
Germany's Claim to Utilize
Syria as an Outlet for Her Sur
plus Population.

LONDON, Sept. "A report was cur-
| rent to-day here that a treaty of aIi-
ance between Great Britain and Ger
many on the lines of the speech of
Mr.. Chamberlain, the Secretary of
State for the Colonies, was actually
completed yesterday. This probably is
an amplitication of the gossip relative
to the daily visits of Count Won HAITI
feldt- Weidenburg, the German Embas-
sador, to the British Foreign Office.
during the past fortnight, which have
been attributed to a decree on the part
OF Germany and Great Britain to form
ulate common policy in regard to-
Russia and China
Another explanation of the German
ambassadors visit to the Foreign Of
flee here is that they relate to the
mixed tribunals of Egypt. the internal
tlonal agreement on the subject end
ing in February. Through French and
Russian influence the court has always
hampered the British plans for the use
of Egyptian savings and the advance
ment of Egypt. Now it is said an
agreement has almost been reached
by which Germany will support the
British views relative to the future
composition and powers of the mixed
tribunals
1t is said that a quid pro quo for
Germany'S support in Egypt Great
Britain will recognize Germany's claims
to utilize Syria as an outlet for her
surplus population. Syria is a division
of Asiatic Turkey, which includes Pal
eStine. estimated to cover an area Of
about 10000 square miles. 1t has a
population of about 2750.O00, mostly
Mohammedans, but including about
100000 Greek Christians, 100000
Maronites and Roman Catholics, 115,-
O00 Jews and $4,000 Druses.
Emperor William of Germany has for
some time past been planning a trip
to Palestine, and he is expected to
visit Jerusalem this fall and will lay
the cornerstone of the German school
there. His majesty has undertaken to
regain from the Catholics the posses
sion of Coonacalum, the Chamber of
the Last Supper, and the Sultan of
Turkey is said to have intimated his
willingness to meet the wish of the
Emperor in this matter.
The Pail Mall Gazette" this after
noon says it has received from a source
it has every confidence in information
that the Anglo-German agreement was
signed this week by Mr.. Balfour and
the German ambassador in behalf of
the respective Powers.
Continuing, the Pail Mall Gazette"
says that while the agreement is re-
stricted, it embraces an offensive and
defensive alliance in certain eventuali-
ties The paper adds: This new and
momentous departure in our foreign
policy comes as a natural supplement
of the European situation"
The Pail Mall Gazette" then quotes
the speech of Mr.. Chamberlain, made
at Birmingham on May 18th last, bid
ding for a German alliance, and con-
tinues: "Latterly it has been evident
from the tone of the German press
that the two Governments have been
drawing closer, and finally there were
prolonged conferences between Count
Hatzfeldt and Mr.. Balfour. The de-
parture of Count Hatzfeldt proves that
the object of consultations has been
achieved. Besides. Mr.. Chamberlain
has gone to America, Lord Salisbury
is prolonging his absence, and Mr..
Balfour leaves for his holiday on Sat-
urday. Evidently the Ministers do not
expect to have to deal with crucial
questions of foreign policy
Mr. Balfour when questioned on the
subject this afternoon. absolutely de-
clined to discuss the reports in circula-
ton regarding the Anglo-German alli-
ance.
Count Won Hatzfeldt who was be-
lieved to have left London, was again
at the Foreign Office this afternoon.
1t is reported on the Stock Exchange
that the Anglo-German alliance or un-
derstanding relates to the British pur-
chase of Delagoa Bay, with Germany
asserting AS a result Kaffir and
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