SPAIN & THE TRIPLE ENTENTE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1880, 14 October 1913, Page 6

SPAIN & THE TRIPLE ENTENTE.

The Paris newspapers _ are convinced that Spain has joined the Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia). If thiß urovo to ba trua

it cannot fail to have an important influence on international politics, for the Triple Allianco (Germany, Austria ancl Italy) cannot view with unconcern such a material strengthening of the rival ' combination of Powers. Negotiations for a better understanding between Franco and Spain have been proceeding for some time past. In May of the present year King Alfonso paid an official visit to Paris, and during last week the French President (M. Poincare) has been the guest of the King of Spain at Madrid, where he has bad a very cordial reception, and _ the fruit of this interchaugo of visits, if the French press is wellinformed, is now made manifest in an understanding by which Spain throws in its lot with Britain, France, and Russia,. and permits the free passage of French troops to Africa in the event of mobilisation. France and Spain havo already cooperated to a certain extent in Morocco, concerning which Kino Alfonso recently stated"Every success you have is of service to us, and, on the other hand, we should feel the effect of any check sustained by you." He also remarked that the Mediterranean _ interests of the two countries were tho same, and asked"Does not the community of thoso interests call for even closer community of policy ?" During M. Poincare's visit last week the Spanish Monarch made his meaning still more plain by speaking of a "more and more cordial entente." France has not been slow in responding to such friendly advances, and theso two neighbouring Powers npw appear to bo entering upon a period of definite co-operation for the protection of their mutual interests. It is generally considered that tho closer relations between the two nations will tend to strengthen the position of the Spanish monarchy by securing tho sympathy and support of certain sections of the_ people which have hitherto maintained an attitude of aloofness or of more or less open unfriendliness. Tho attachment of Spain to tho Entente can hardly fail to be welcomed in Britain in view of the ties of kinship which connect the King of England with the Spanish Royal Family. It must also have a material influence on international' politics at tho present time, when European diplomacy is playing a very critical game in which every move and countormove is of the utmost importance.