Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, AUG. 28, 1900. Further War Clouds.

Manawatu Herald, 28 August 1900, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, AUG. 28, 1900. Further War Clouds.

The most ominous piece of news concerning th ■ relations between Great Britain and France have come to us in a very unobstrusive manner, simply being headed "Naval Defence." If the cablegram is of any value it is of very great value, as the further strengthening of the Channel Squadron, and the formation of reserve squadrons, is, we take it, in addition to what has been done, when a special squadron was fonncu and a reserve fleet mobilised. We have not heard a word as to why such extra precautions have to be taken beyond the curious line " there are a number of French cruisers stationed at Calais." Of course, nearly every one knows that this latter port is the nearest French port to England, being distant only 20 miles. Why has France got a number of cruisei's there ? The Exhibition is drawing to a close, and it will be a clever man who will fortell what will then happen in France. It seems pretty clear that whatever uprising there may be, will be hid or secured by an attack on England, and thus the reserve squadrons are formed to enable the strengthened Channel Squadron to cruise between Great Britain and Gibraltar, in readiness to reinforce the Mediterranean or Home squadrons. The reasons for their formation and the part they are to play is . set forth sufficiently clear to let what country is expected to be nasty, to be well understood.