The Next European War.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7068, 14 February 1893, Page 2

The Next European War.

In an article entithd “ The Theatre of the War,” the Novoe Vremi/a discusses the relative strength of the Double and of the Triple Alliance, and sketches the probable initial steps in the next campaign. The writer, who, evidently speaks with authority, says:- ‘ For action in Europe Russia has 19 army corps, France the same number ; Germany 20, Austria 15, and Italy 12 ; or the Double Alliance 38, against 47 of the Triple. But those of the latter, especially tbo Italian, are numerically weaker, and if the reserves are counted in the difference becomes very small. One of the English military journals has been analysing the various combinations. According to one of these, Germany would send 12 corps against Russia, would leave one to defend her Northern lino, end would occupy her fortresses on tbo French frontier with the remaining seven. The Italians are to advance through Savoy, leaving two corps et home, and sending one to Austria, who would throw the whole of her force, except one corps, against Russia, winch would thus have 27 hostile corps on her front. If it were decided to attack L ranca first, then there would be only 20 against Russia. If the first attack is to be directed against us, it wiil require all the soienos and energy of the allies te keep back the French advance. It must be taken into consideration that it will bo difficult to manoeuvre large masses of troops in a country like Savoy ; and there is great ground to fear that the neutrality of Switzerland and Belgium will not be respected. In fact, it in only by passing the Swiss frontier above Belfort that the Italians can become useful, or that 16 army corps can be expected to check the French. It has been calculated that every day after the mobilisation will cost to Franca 15,000,000 f., to Germany, 13,137.000 f., and to Italy, 7,875,000 f.” In the whole article the writer assumes that it rests entirely with Germany to decide not only the movement of the Triple Alliance, but the wh.de conduct of the war.