The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-03-24
ENQUIRIES MADE OF GERMANY
That Nation and the United
States in Same Position.
VIEWS HELD IN WASHINGTON
Believed That Announcements of Great
Britain and Russia Are Greatest
Guarantee of Peace-Avoidance of En-
tangling Alliances.

LONDON, March 23.-It is necessary to
say two things in regard to the political
crisis through which the world is passing
at the present moment. The first is that
it is impossible to obtain substantiation
of the gravest rumors which are now cur
rent, and the second that the responsible
ity for keeping the peace of the world
may be thrown entirely upon the Ameri-
can and German Governments.
Followed by Negotiations.
1t is not necessary to discuss in detail
the most alarming reports which have
gained circulation, save to say that they
do not receive credence in this or any
European capital. This much is true: the
Russo French declaration regarding the
Anglo japanese alliance has been fol-
lowed or accompanied by important nego-
tiations
France and Russia have asked the other
Powers, including the United States, Ger
many, Austria. and Italy, what would be
their respective attitudes toward the new
alliance The enquiry, in at least two
cases, included the question whether neu-
trality would be maintained in case of
war between Great Britain and Japan on
the one hand and France and Russia on
other.
War Might Have Followed.
1t has been inferred in certain quar-
tiers that if assurances of neutrality had
been obtained from the United States and
Germany, war would have followed almost
Immediately. This inference is not, per-
haps, absurd but nothing in the nature
of confirmation can be obtained from the
best informed authorities. On the other
hand, the British Foreign Office, which is
fully aware of these international en-
quiries, utterly discredits any belligerent
significance.
1t is pointed out that it is the diplo-
matte custom to exchange notes between
Governments regarding the Interpretation
and effect of any important treaty. There
cannot be any doubt that Russia and
France would be exceedingly pleased to
obtain pledges of neutrality from America
and Germany.
Refusals Probable.
The refusal of such a pledge by both
countries would almost certainly prevent
war. There is good reason to believe that
Germany has already given such a re-
fusal; in other words the Kaiser insists
that he will retain compleiA liberty of
action. England is confident that the
United States will take a similar atti-
tude.
She does not expect America to come to
her assistance, but she does believe that
the Washington Government will do moth
ing to precipitate a conflict which might
result in the destruction of American
trade interests in the Far East.
Neutrality Danger
1t is not going too far to say that
declaration at the present moment of
American neutrality in case Of war might
precipitate that war. This must be fully
understood by the Washington Govern
ment, hence the confidence here that no
such declaration would be forthcoming.
Today's news from South Africa, which
indicates that the Beers desire TO ne
gotiate for peace, has important bearings
ON the situation. II by any possibility Rus
STA has belligerent designs, she will
either bring them quickly into action be-
fore England can transfer her army from
South Africa to India or she will abandon
them entirely.
Leave for Alexeieff.
A despatch to the "Moring Post from
Berlin says that Admiral Alexeieff COM
mander- chief of the land and sea forces
in Russian East Asia has been granted
leave of absence for several months This
is construed by some as proof that the
situation in the Far~E East is regarded at
St. Petersburg as being free of any likeli-
hood NJ inns