The War Cloud

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 178, 31 January 1896, Page 2

The War Cloud

BRITISH EMPIRE LEAGUE. fPer Pre?s AssonrJioni London, January 29. The St. Petersburg agent of the Armenian Defence League, states the Sultan proposed an alliance with Russia to occupy and administer Auatolia province toe the balance of the overdue war indemnity, Russia to guarantee the safety of the Sultan's throne. It is believed Great Britain is willing to purchase the island of Cyprus and grant the inhabitants an autonmous government. January SO. At the inauguration meeting of the British Empire League Sir W. Wilkin, Lord Mayor, presided. Sir R. Hebert, formerly Under-Secretary for the colonies, said the League had no intention of dictating to the colonies what they should contribute to the national defence, but was anxious to confer with them. The Times thinks the League will be of use in focussing vague Imperial efforts on salient points, and bring ing about closer relations between the colonies and Mother Country. The Times says though there is no actual treaty between Russia and Turkey, there is an understanding which gives the Sultan confidence in Russian friendship so long as he conforms to Russian counsel and her foreign policy. Sydney. This Day. The Conference of Commandants has arriyed at a decision for a uniform rifle for the forces of the Australian Colonies, but the name of the weapon has Hot yet been divulged. The Conference is now discussing a scheme of federal defence.