Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-09-30
European War Possibilities.

Compared with the SLOW negotla lions III
the Franco German dispute over Morocco.
the development of hostilities between
Italy and Turkey has been swift as to
afford a suggestive commentary on the
Difference between countries that are try
ing to avoid hostilities and those that
are at least on one side anxious for trou-
HE. Had there been d real desire on the
part of either Germany or France to
break the peace. no amount of diplomacy
could have averted conflict. short of the
interposition of one of the other great
powers forbidding hostilities under pain
of alliance with one of the contestants.
Italy has rushed the issue upon Turkey
in a manner to show that the govern
ment at Rome has determined to take
Tripoli without risking compromise or de-
feat in the course of prolonged CONVEX
sations involving other influences.
There seems to he little doubt that Italy
will take possession of Tripoli Turkey.
virtually helpless on the seas, is i'm po-
stion to resist the Italian onset. and the
only military question, in this immedi-
ate situation. is whether Italy can estab-
lish itself in Tripoli against the Moslem ma
uves. who will almost certainly conduct
a determined warfare in the name of the
faith. Should Italy, however, undertake
land operations in Turkey itself. a differ
ent story may be told. for just as Turkey
is in no position to defend it's TRANSIT edi-
terranean possessions against Italy, ow-
ing to the lack of the efficient navy, it
has the land forces sufficient to resist an
Italian invasion.
In these circumstances the most impor-
tant question relates. not to the immedi-
ate outcome of the war as regards Tur-
key and Italy, but to the complications
that may arise in consequence of Italys
precipitate move to establish an african
holding. Press opinions of the Italian
move in Germany and England are dis
tinctly uncomplimentary, but it is only
matter of inference whether they reflect
governmental views. That Germany is
friendly to Turkey is assured. and that.
conversely, England would be inclined to
support the Italian contention is to be ar
gued from the fact Of Germany's pro-
Turkish interest. 1t would probably not
displease England to see Turkey not only
stripped of its African possessions, but
actually deprived of European sovereign
~. while on the other hand Turkey in Eu-
rope is rated in diplomatic circles as
factor in the German scheme.
This Tripolitan matter contains the
keys imperial strength cannot fail to
have an effect upon European politics.
even though peace may be quickly de-
clared between Italy and Turkey. But be-
tween the present hostilities and a decla-
ration of peace lie sinister possibilities
There is. for instance. the chance of an
Albanian uprising. already menaced with
overtures from the Albanians to the Ital-
ians. There is next the chance of a con-
hict between Turkey and Greece, for,
according to reports, the former has
just demanded Of Greece the aban-
donment of all Cretan claims The de-
mand upon Greece at this time is difficult
to understand unless il means that Tur-
key has assurance of outside assist
ance. from what source may be imagined.
in the event that the government at
Athens refuses TO accede and prepares
for war. In these circumstances there is
no reason for wondering at the extreme
anxiety with which the carefully CEN
sored news from the Mediterranean is
read in the chancelleries of Europe.