The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1914. BRITAIN'S UNIQUE POSITION

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2214, 29 July 1914, Page 6

The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1914. BRITAIN'S UNIQUE POSITION

The British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Edward Gkey) holds the confidence of, people of all political parties in all parts of the Empire'in quite a remarkable manner. There,is a general feeling that the honour and , the interests of the nation are safe in his hands. Howover sharply we may'be divided among ourselves in domestic politics, the Empire is at unity in all matters affecting its place in the world. In the present European- crisis, for instance. Sir Edward Grey speaks for the whole Empire, and in view of the fact that every word he uses at such a juncture as the present is carefully weighed, his statement in. the House of Commons, which ■ appears in our cable columns,' shows that it is almost impossible to exaggerate the gravity of the situation. His suggestion that Britain, France. Italy, and Germany should work together in the interests of peace should meet with world-wide appi'pval, and no'one can help being impressed by his declaration that ii the efforts being made to prevent a conflict should fail, "the failure would lead to. the greatest catastrophe which could befall the European Concert, and its consequences would be incalculable." Sir Edward GniiY is endeavouring to arrange for a conference of Ambassadors to meet in London to consider the position, and the citizens of every British Dominion will hope that the proposed consultation will result in some understanding which will avert the danger of a European war, Tho fact that Britain, owing

to her insular position, has been able to maintain a position of comparative aloofness from the entaugloments of _ Eitropean alliances, gives her a unique opportunity of acting as peacemaker'in international disputes. Throughout the Balkan erisis her influence was always on the side of peace, and it is generally admitted that when war became inevitable, no one did more, than Sir Edward Grey to circumscribe the area of conflict. A war between Austria. and Servia would, ■however, be a very different matter. It would, be almost impossible; to put a ring- around the combatants and prevent "any outside interference. It is because he recognises this fact that tho British Foreign Minister is bo anxious that a commencement of hostilities should be avoided. Sir Edward Grey's speech' contains a very significant statement regarding the attitude of Britain in .connection with the present crisis. He states that if the dispute is confined to Austria and Servia, Britain would' not interfere, but the moment another Power- is involved the position would become critical. This remark may be merely a hint thrown out for the purpose of. restraining other nations, •or it may be an indication of the nature of the obligations accepted by Britain as amemher of the Triple Entente, as' the understanding between Britain, France and Russia _is called. The details of these obligations have never been made _ public. In reply to a question in Parliament last year, Mr. Asquith put the question in this way: : . ; This, country is not -under any obligation, not public and known to Parliament, which compels it to. take part in any war. In other .words, if war arises .between European Powers, there are no unpublished agreements which will restrict or hamper the freedom of•' tho Government, or of Parliament, to decide whether or not Great Britain 'should partiiipate in a war.: • The use that would be made of the naval or military forces if the Government, 'and Parliament decided to take part in a war,.is for obvious reasons not a matter about which public statements can bo made beforehand. It.is impossible_to gathcrfjfrom this cautious and diplomatic ' statement much information as to what Britain's duty would be should either or both of the other members of the Entente become engaged in a struggle l with one or more of the other great Powers. It is'quite certain, however, that Britain could not maintain the.attitude of an entirely disinterested spectator. Indeed, - . Sir Edward Grey's words make it fairly clear/that should a third Power become involved in ; the ■ present dispute Austria and Servia. our own nation would immediately take .a very deep interest in the progress of events. Not long ago a considerable amount of discussion took place in the. European Press regarding a rumour that the Entente was about, to be converted into an Alliance. Many, people thought that this change would be made during, the recent visit of tho King to Paris, but it was subsequently announced that no such alteration had been made. • It was stated, however.: that the official representatives of Britain, France, and Russia had taken advantage, of the opportunity which the visit afforded of fully discussing ■ matters of mutual interest, and wo were told that ah identity of view on all points had been established. The Entente appears to have been strengthened and tightened up, and a more definite understanding arrived, at as to lines of joint action in probable or possible .emergencies. One of.these emergencies has now arisen,' 'and Sir Ed-. wArd Grey's speech seems to show that'the part which A Britain will have to play has already been more or less definitely mapped out. A great deal now .depends upon, what Britain will dp. A,wreckage of European civilisation looms;in front ,of us as a. terrible possibility, and as a Russian newspaper remarks: "all eyes are turned on Britain which is regarded as occupying ah exclusive position in'the destinies of Europe." v