The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-10-27
Special Cable Despatch 10 TIE SUN.

Speetd! CGNe Despatch 10 TIE SUN.
LONDON, Oct. 2o.-The close secrecy
which for a considerable time has sur
rounded an event Of first magnitude in
International politics will be broken by an
announcement which The SUN oorre-
spondent is permitted to make to-day. A
military convention, which in effect amounts
20 a full defensive alliance, has been made
between Great Britain, France and Italy.
This momentous instrument has not nomi-
nally come into effect as yet. but in reality
it is already an almost dominating factor
in the European situation. 1t becomes
operative whenever the Triple Alliance
between Germany, Aust ria Hungary and
Italy, or rather the three treaties usually
grouped under that designation, shall ex-
pire either by expiration of tins or by any
Other cause"
This regrouping OF great Powers is a
natural outcome OF the destruction OF the
balance Of power in Europe conseque mt
upon paralysis OF Russia in the Japanese
war. II is an important step in the foma-
ton OF a league of peaoe-the great object
which King Edward has labored to achieve
ever since he came to the throne Of Great
Britain. 1t has behind il the cordial sup
port of Spain and Portugal. There is good
reason for believing that il commands also
the sympathy of the United States Govern
ment, which has been well aware Of its in
ception and purposes.
~ ali Il. 4
compact has been accompanied and fol-
lowed by serious difficulties and even dan
gers. First and obviously was the fact
that Germany would regard il not only
with natural resentment. brit as a direct
menace. 1t was negotiated on the eve Of
the Algeciras conference and it can hardly
he denied that it was designed to some
extent to act in restraint OF Germany at
that time. Its purpose, however, is in every
respect non-aggressive and it was and Is
impossible for the German Emperor to
c~ritlcise it except by abandoning his oft
professed love OF peace.
An element Of danger came into sight
last sunmer. A strong anti-It allan senti-
WtAll ntS Dtcl kIOWnlB AA hhHbl a hh
for some years. so long as TIA ly remained
virtually an ally this feeling could scarcely
find official or open expression, especially
with Germany exercising a continual in
huence in restraint of il. When the internal
crisis in Austria Hungary became acute
last ummer the Austrian Government
was at one moment strongly tempted TO
heal domestic dissension by an attack
upon Italy-a move which would have
been popular in both countries OF the dual
monarchy. Additional excuse for u
an expedient would have been found in a
secret military convention which it was
learned had been made by Italy with Servia.
with whom Austrian relations we're and
still are hostile.
Italy learned Of this danger and was most
anxious to avert It. h was entirely un-
prepared in a military way for war on her
Austrian frontier. She knew that she
could not successfully defend Venice and
the ~neighboring provinces, 1t was in this
situation that the interview between King
Edward and the German Emperor was ar
ranged. 1t is understood in inner diplo-
matte circles that one OF the objects OF that
conference was to emil st the Kaiser's in
iuence in restraint Of Aust ria's possible
aggression. IL - now DeLEeVeu tbaJ snln
danger has disappeared.
The political situation in Europe as a
whole is more satisfactory to-day than II
has been for several years. Pessimists
point to the fact that the death Of the Sultan
must be expected within a few months and
that the demise Of Emperor Francis Joseph
may create a cris is at any time. But the
safeguards Of peace grow stronger day
by day. King Edwards League Of Peace
should be able very soon to bear any strain
that may be put upon IL.