The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1914-08-03
EUROPEAN ALiG MENTs
How Existing Agreements May At
feet War Situation.

tente, and many Americans, even
those familiar in a general way with
the terms, are asking exactly what
the relations of the two triumyirates
are to each other and to what extent
they are pledged to each other in
case of war.
The Triple Alliance Cor Dfeibund,)
is league of Germany, Austria and
Italy for purposes of defense alone.
1t began originally Immediately after
the Russo-Turkish war and was
dual alliance between Germany and
Austria. 1t was the legitimate sue
cessor to the league between these
nations and Russia which failed
through the dastardly treatment Aus
tiia accorded Russia in international
affairs and the resentment felt by the
st. Petersburg government at the de.
cisions OF the Berlin congress. Italy
was admitted to the alliance In 1883,
the agreement being that all three
nations would resist the attack OF
any power upon either of them. II
was believed in all capitals that the
alignment of these three realms to-
gether, served the peace OF Europe
and general satisfaction was felt un-
til the development of Germany's
navy and the growing animosities in
Germany against its neighbors
caused Russia and France to become
allies in 1898.
The treaty secretly made between
these two states did not become
known Immediately and the exact ma
ture OF II is still in doubt: but of one
item there is no question. In the
event of any nation becoming in
volved with che the other pledges is
aid. As to whether IL can be con
strued as offensive. as well as defen-
sive, Is in doubt. II has been taken
for granted, however. that il is both
Some years late. Great Britain, iso-
lated in European affairs through the
failure OF its italian policy, sought
French convention and, through the
diplomatic genius OF King Edward
VII, NOH It's nSut iOi THIS dihohSO'
The agreement was specific, dealing
with Morocco and Egypt, but late it
was developed into a more extensive
program of mutual support by adding
other articles. SO far as is known,
however, it contained no pledges of
support in war moves. In 1907 the
Triple Entente was completed by the
British convention with Russia re-
garding Persia and Afghanistan.
which, like the French treaty, Is not
true alliance, unless IL has become
so through secret articles. If the pub
lie has all the information, the 'efore.
the supper, of Russia for Seryia, il
followed by German opposition,
would be followed of necessity by
ltalys taking the field and by French
declarations in behalf of Russia but
Great Britain could stand aloof II IL
wished to do so. Naturally this ac-
ton would end the friendships form
ed by the Triple Entente, while it
hardly would improve relations with
Germany. Austria and ltaly-nations
that would look on the United King
dom as cowardly.
Another factor which must be
mentioned. although IL is not wholly
European. is the part Japan may play
in tile expected war. The origina
japanese alliance with England. sign
ed in 1902, gave mutual protection III
defense of the status quo of their pos
sessions and influence in China and
Korea. This was extended in its re-
newal in 1905 to include Eastern ASIA
and India. II Great Britain takes
part in the war. Germany. with Far
Eastern feet prepared for action,
may attack British colonies in Asia.
II It should do this Japan at once
would take sides with its island ally
and the arena OF war would exterd to
another continent.
To iesta.e the situation briefly,
should Russia support its Slavonic
Servia. Germany would
join Austria according to the pledges
of the Triple Alliance. and Italy, ua
less Il should seek TO escape by some
specious Interpretation on account of
self-interest. would be compelled TO
join its allies. This would call forth
at once the Russian ally. France. on
account Of the Triple Entente. while
Great Britain would be placed NOR
ally in position. on account Of ITS
share IN that tripaftfie agreement.
where IL might be called upon 10 sup
port the Ffanco-Rhssian forces. "
this extended the area affected into
Asia BY any adverse act. Japan would
join the forces against the Triple Al
lance. Such is the cataclysm which
appears TO be imminent because of
alliances and agreements which were
built to preserve the peace Of Europe.
Had they not been backed by in
creasing ornaments perhaps the dan
gers Of such a shock to civilization
might not be so threatening-Troy
Reoord