READY FOR WAR

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 154, 16 November 1912, Page 8

READY FOR WAR

Students of war have been assuring us for yearn past that under modern conditions the laggard nation could not, hope for time to prepare its means of defence in the face of an active enemy (says the Lyttelton Times). War may come like a bolt from a blue sky and i it may be carried to a decisive stage within a few weeks, or even a few days, of the tiring of the first shot. The point is illustrated by the mail which reached Christchurch last week, bringing the London newspapers for the week ended on September 27. The outbreak of war in the Balkans was to occur within a few days, mid a period of five weeks was to see Turkey humbled in the dust and a new military Power revealed to tke world. But London was bearing only whispers of the impending conflict and was being assured in authoritative quarters that the peace of Europe would not be disturbed. Berlin was reported to be conyinced that no serious trouble would occur in the Balkans, and some disquieting rumors that were coming from Vienna were discounted by the assurances ef the. experts that the Balkan people always reserved their fighting for the spring and summer months, and in any case would not disregard the ex-'. pressed wishes of the Great Powers. Under these circumstances it is scarcely surprising that the Turks did not realise the imminence of the danger which was threatening them, although the allies must have already completed their preparations for the conflict that was coming, even to the extent of arranging the division of the conquered territory. A consideration of Turkey's plight makes it easier to understand why an experienced soldier like Lord Eoberts says indiscreet things in his anxiety to arouse the British people to the need for preparing for war in times of peace.