Semi-weekly herald., 1913-07-21
PREDICTS
GREAT EUROPEAN WAR

PARIS, July 19.-That Europe is
preparing for the dismemberment OF
China, Turkey-in-Asia, and the col
| onies of Portugal, and the ultlmate
division of the spoils, was the conten-
tion of former minister of foreign af-
fairs, M. Emile Leopold Flourens, in
private interview given the United
Press correspondent here today. This
diplomat, who is credited with know
ing more of European motives and
politics than oimost any other man,
tells the reason for the monster stand
ing armies which the great powers aie
now creating with a rapidity hither-
to known only Immediately prece ling
war. And Germany, with her con-
fessed need for elbow-room. and de-
spite recent eulogies sung of the
peaceful war lord,' is given the
blame for starting the ball rolling.
The interview took place at the home
of the statesman, and NJ. Flourens
called spade spade.
AT the outbreak of the Balkan
troubles some months ago." said NJ.
tlourens, 81 told you that a general
European war was preparing for the
near future. | still think so. For
the moment, however, the ambitions
- ei'e poNtic are lutIll
in check. They don't want war Just
at this time and for a very particular
reason. That is why every ounce of
their influence is being eXerted now
to prevent the Balkan difficulty from
, dragging them into fight"
1.-TWO years ago." the correspondent
suggested, the world was informed
that Europe was on the verge of a
general war. Americans find it hard
to understand what it's all about and
what is holding the powers back"
The general squaring of accounts
between the nations of Europe is com
iIg," the diplomat replied "You may
he sure of that. Something has hap
pened to postpone the action, that is
all. The reason is this There is
shortly to be considerable territory
divided, and when this begins each OF
the great powers wishes TO be at its
strongest. A war now would weaken
the nations engaged, and those which
kept the peace would find themselves
with tremendous advantage over
their rivals.
''In the first place, Turkey-in-Asia
is doomed. This empire is shortly to
disappear just as Turkey-in- Europe
has disappeared, and the powers are
preparing to divide her among them
selves. Secondly, Portugal is in a
deplorable condition, and it is certain
that before long the colonies of that
| republic are to be portioned out among
the nations of Europe. England will
get the lions share. Lastly there is
China. The republic does not seem
to have solved the oriental riddle, and
Europe is laying its plans to have a
/ bnI 81 rbn, t,a
breakup arrives.
Does it not occur to you as peculiar
that although not a single one of the
great powers of Europe has recognized
the Chinese republic, they have made
to that republic large loans? Why
The answer is extremely simple: II
China breaks up they don't want any
stumbling blocks in their way, such
| as recognition of the present gov
ernment might create; they want tc
be sure of collecting their money
and China herself is security for the
| loans. Diplomatic history to my
knowledge has never recorded a sim
| liar situation. The United States is
the only world power not directly in
terested in China. The United States
| withdrew from participation in the
| loan, and alone of all world powers
the United States has recognized Chi
ma as a republic"
| "Where is this race for armament
to end 2" Flourens was asked.
"Just where it is, in my opinion,
he said. "The taxpayers are tired ot
the game and they won't let thing!
go much further. Europe, has abou
gone her limit. The powers have de
manded bigger armies and more mon
ey, and the people have met the de
mands, of late, it must be said, witt
great reluctance. This is proof thai
the limit has been reached. The neX
| move belongs to Europe: She mus
justify her demands; prove her wal
taxes justified, that the sacrifices Of
her citizen-soldiers were not in vain.'
i Al - =