The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-08-17
Apparent Harmony Far
From Perfect as
1t Appears.
INTERESTS OFTEN
ARE IN CONFLICT
Rock Which May Cause Disaster
is Growing Alienation Between
Austria and Germany Arising
From Recent Events in
Balkans, Where Clash
Is Not Unlikely.

Berlin. August l6.-The harmony Of
the triple alliance. II is said among
diplomats. Is far from being as perfect
as II appears TO the outside world
And although the three powers of
which the alliance consists have many
interests In common, and realize that
under existing circumstances the al
lance Is necessary to counterbaiance
the triple entente. 1t would cause no
great surprise 10 those who know the
inside OF European International az
fairs IL new political consultations
sky.
That the interests OF Austria and
Italy conflict on many points. and that
there Is no real sympathy between the
people OF these two countries is a fact
known 10 every one. as well as the
fact that Italy very many points
feels herself in strong sympathy with
France. But II Is not here that the
real danger TO the triple alliance lies.
The rock on which the alliance is apt
TO be shipwrecked is the growing
alienation between Austria and Ger
many arising from recent events In
the Balkans. where the interests and
sympathies OF the two countries differ
on many points. and where a serious
clash Is BY no means unlikely.
Every day the complaints are grow
Ing louder in Austria that the con
stantly growing "philhellenism'' of
Germany Is a danger 10 Austria. with
whose political plans 1t has repeated
Is interfered. Voices are also heard in
Austria that the wisest political course
for that country would be 10 eudeavo-
TO make soHc arrangement with Rus
STA in regard 10 the Balkan question.
even IL this would be apt 70 hurt the
feelings OF Germany, and result in an
enlargement between the two coun-
tries.
a fnyI or tn v,y
Official OF the German Foreign Depart
Tent, although nc absolutely
fused to make any statement in rag ard
10 the alleged serious disharmony be-
tween Germany and Austria, readily
admitted that the feelings OF part Of
the Austrian people had been hurt BY
Ge-manys support OF Greece.
He asserted however. that any i'll
Will which might exist a mere
traasitory friction which would quick
~ disappear. because II had actual
foundation in fact and because every
leading Austrian statesman was fully
aware OF the absolute loyalty OF Ger
many TO the triple alliance. and the
interests OF her allies on all points
Il suppose l need not say" ne said.
that The assertion made in certain
Austrian papers that Germany sup
ports Greece because the new King
OF that country IS brother in law OF
the Kaiser. is utterly absurd. The
time when royal family relations m
fuenced international politics has
passed long ago with the disappear
ancc OF autocracy.
1t Is almost equally absurd. when
Austr!ans talk OF German philnel-
len!sm harmful 10 the interests OF the
double monarchy. No such thing ex-
lists, though l shall not deny that in
the Foreign Department here as we'll
as AT Athens, We have reached the
conclusion that the interests OF the
two countries clash on no point what
ever and that cordial relations be-
tween US are advantageous TO both.
This conviction. however, was formed
long before the late King George or
Greece was assassinatcd
King Constantine. rs we'll az his
gifted Prime Minister, ". NeniZeios.
are both admirers OF Germany. and
realize that the sympathy OF this coun-
Try is OF the greatest value TO Greece.
particularly because the latter country
already has the support OF England"
What stands out most strongly Is
the fact that the official in question did
not deny the dissatisfaction in Austria.
and concluded by limiting at common
English and German interests
England, as we'll as Germany. realizes
how important II is at the present
time to prevent Russia from getting
the upper hand in the near East and
paralyzc the plans of the Russian
statesman TO appear as the mighty
protector of the Balkan states by Gull
tivating friendly relations with other
Balkan states
England. as well as Germany, de-
sircs to prevent Greece from entering
into an alliance with the Slav states
OF the Balkans and the next clever
move on the part OF Russia may be to
take advantage of Austrias present
bitterness against Germany to reach
some agreement with Austria and
loosen her ties in the triple alliance.
There are omens which appear to
predict that German foreign diplomacy
is in danger of adding n new defeat
to the long list OF failures In the past.