ENGLISH AND FOREIGN.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 139, 9 August 1876, Page 2

ENGLISH AND FOREIGN.

LONDON. July 3. Montenegro has declared war against Turkey. The alleged reasons are that the Porte blockaded the frontier and provided reforms tlrat jt was impossible to carry s out. The Servian troops, having crossed the frontier, had an engagement with the Turks. The latter report that the .Servianswere repulsed with the loss of 2,000" men. This is denied by the Servians, who declare’ that they succeeded In one action on the eastern frontier of Bosnia. Subsequent actions have taken place, in which the victory ia claimed by both sides. July 9. The interview between the Czar of Ruseia and the Emperor of Austria was a very cordial one. Prince Gortschakoff and Count Andrassy were present. They agreed to a note not to interfere, but to reserve the right to mediate between the belligerent Powers until some decisive result is arrived at. , The Great Powers guarantee the neutrality of the Danube. July 15. Replying to a deputation urging the neutrality of England in case of a general war, Lord Derby said he concurred in the object of the deputation. The_ Government refused to accept the Berlin memorandum because the compromise was indefeasible, and was unacceptable to the Porte and the insurgents. The fleet in Bessica Bay would not take the initiative, but was there because - England and all countries wished to prevent the massacre of their subjects. A general war was most improbable. France would certainly not go to war, and Germany had no interest for doing so. As for England she would not provoke hostilities. Austria was in a peculiar position, but her own self-interest would dictate peace. There was a powerful party in Russia which desired that the Sclavonic Empire should be under Russian guidance and influence. That party, however, was not now in power. Lord Derby said he believed that the Czar was a sincere lover of peace. Russian finances, and the extent of her conquests in Asia were also reasons why Russia should not desire war* Lord Derby also confirmed a recent telegram that the policy of non-intervention would* be followed by Russia; and added that nothing would be done without-the consent of the Great Powers. . Though England could not prevent the decay of Turkey, she had guaranteed her against murder, but not against suicide or sudd n death. Mediation would be offered if_r h3 opportunity came, as he thought might shortly occur. ~ ■■■■—