THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1775, 24 February 1888, Page 2

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

St. Petjbesbuho, February 22. . In his note to the Powers the Czar declares that the present position itt Bulgaria is dangerous to the peace of Europe. The immediate deposition of Prince Ferdinand is urged ; and the Czar promises that if Austria withdraws | her objections to this oourse the Russian forces on the .Galiciau frontier shall be immediately withdrawn. St Petsrsbubg. February 23. It is understood that the Russian troops on the frontier will be increased by 100,000 m about a month. London, February 23. In the House of Commons the Address-in- Reply was adopted. Mr Labouchere moved that an assurance was required from England to the effect that the reported AngloItalian alliance, which has not been officially contradicted, was not hostile to France. Sir Jas. Fergusson, Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, m reply, denied that the Government had contracted a military or naval engagement with Italy, and also- ridiculed tho idea that any hostility was displayed by either nation to Franca. He expressed the opinion that the peace of Europe at the pfesent I time was more assured than a year ago . |He admitted there had been private [parleying between England and the other Powers . 1 Mr Gladstone [said that the assurances given by Sir James were satisfactory, and ho was quite satisfied that Lord Salisbury's foreign policy was generally sound . After discussion Mr Labouchere withdrew his motion, his object having been effected by the debate. (Received February 24, 12 20 p.m.) St. Petersbubg, February 23. It is stated here that the Powers are inclined to reply to the Czar's note m respect to the .Bulgarian question that the deposition of Prince Ferdinand aa suggested by Russia would only lead to fresh complications m the future, whilst it would attain no good result m the meantime. Rome, February 23. Italy is taking active measures to increase the army and navy m conconsequence of the action of France ■ m massing large numbers of troops on the Italian frontier.