The Dominion. THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 1915. WHOSE TURN NEXT?

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2478, 3 June 1915, Page 4

The Dominion. THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 1915. WHOSE TURN NEXT?

The entry of Italy into the great struggle has quickly had its effect on the Balkan States. Already there are signs that Rumania is planning to follow her example, aiul excitement is spreading. It seems inevitable that other nations will be drawn into the struggle. At the present moment the relations between Germany and America arc strained almost to breaking point, and the report that the Kaiser intends to annex Belgium has given rise to a feeling of uneasiness .in Holland. The Dutch are beginning to fear that they may be compelled to fight for their independence. The action of Italy has made the position of Switzerland more difficult. Surrounded on all sides by the forces of belligerent Powers, the Swiss may yet be called upon to resort to force in order to preserve their neutrality from violation. But at the present juncture the position is most critical in the Balkans. A cable message which' appeared in The Dominion a few days ago announced that Germany was making a desperate effort to prevent Rumania from following the example of Italy. If Rumania joins the Allies the difficulties of Austria will be enormously increased. Dn. Dillon is of opinion that Rumanian intervention would probably bring a terrible disaster on the AustroGerinan forces which are now operating''in the region of . the Carpathians. The Germans realise that the situation has become- extremely serious. They arc trying_ to induce the Rumanians .to maintain an attitude of neutrality by promising them concessions at the expense of Russia. A Berlin newspaper stated a few days ago that Germany admitted Rumania's claims to Bessarabia, which was annexed by Russia in 1878. Germany may be in a position to give away portions of the dominions of the Emperor of Austria in order to save her own skin, but it is rather absurd at this stage, and with things as they are, to talk about carving up the Russian Empire. The offer of Bessarabia is not likely to impress the Rumanians very deeply.' They know that by cooperating. with the Entente Powers they would probably get back the Rumanian provinces of Austria which have been suffering for years under the tyranny of tile Magyars. Perhaps tho Kaiser may be able t-o prevail upon Austria to promise to present Transylvania to Rumania after the war is over, but the authorities at Bucharest will probably want better guarantees than they arc likely to get for the performance of such an undertaking. They will not be inclined to accept the Kaiser's word as sufficient security. It was not considered a safe bond by tho King of Italy. It was announced a few days ago that Rumania was negotiating with the Allies, but the result of the discussions has not yet been disclosed. The latest information at time of writing is contained in a statement by Reuter's Agent at Bucharest to the effect that the opinion that Rumania should join the Allies is feverishly spreading throughout the country. Some fitty thousand people have just shown their sympathy with Italy by making a friendly demonstration in the vicinity of the Italian Legation. Rumania has hitherto been held back by a feeling of uncertainty regarding the intentions of Bulgaria. Efforts have been made to induce the Bulgarian Government _to come to an understanding with the • other Balkan States so as to enable concerted aotion to bo taken on the side of the Allies. These negotiations have not been altogether resultless, but hitherto the concessions which have been offered to Bulgaria have not been sufficient to remove the barriers in the way of the movement for the formation of a new Balkan League. The aspect of affairs has, however, been changed by the intervention of Italy and the operations in the Dardanelles. Of late the attitude of Bulgaria has not been so uncompromising as formerly. The trend of events is showing her that shecannot afford to jeopardise her future by nursing her desire for revenge against Servia. A message from the correspondent of the Times' at Bucharest indicates that the prospects of an agreement among the Balkan States are getting brighter. It is reported that the relations between Rumania and Bulgaria have steadily improved, and that a definite understanding may be reached. The failure of Greece to throw in her lot with the Allies has been in a large measure due to the unwillingness of Bulgaria to come to terms, and if this difficiflty can be overcome the Greeks are almost certain to take an active part in the war. If tho Balkan States decide to cooperate with the Entente Powers the fall of the Ottoman Empire will be hurried forward and Austria will bo hemmed in with a ring of foes. Austria, _ Germany, and Turkey have no friends. Germany's inhuman conduct of the war has antagonised the whole civilised world. There is no Power from which the Austro-Gcrman-Turkish Alliance can expect active assistance.