EUROPE MOBILIZES. WAR INEVITABLE?
By Willy Kronker, special to the New York Times
June, 1901. London ----European forces of all major powers appear to have mobilized and set their military on war footing. This confirms reports of furious diplomatic manoevres which have taken place in all the great capitals from London to Constantinople.
This does not bode well for the minor European nations. Already Denmark and Bulgaria have fallen to the German and Turkish empires respectively. And the Austrians have captured Serbia. Although alliances appear to be kept in secret, this neutral observer can make the following conclusions:
The British and the French have put their differences aside. England seems to be threatening the Scandinavian nations while France is putting pressure on Iberia. We wait to see how and if the Germans will respond; especially if both France and Germany claim title on the lowland nations.A dispute here can see a full fledged war between these traditional enemies.
And how will Russia react? They appear to be claiming one of the Scandinavian countries for themselves...will this put them on a warpath with England? Reports of a minor skirmish in the Black Sea with their Turkish neighbours may in fact be a red herring. We'll wait and see.
If the Russians and the Turks both head into the maelstrom of the Balkans will they fight each other, or will they engage the Austrians, who have claimed Serbia. The Austrians also threaten Greece but will the Turks and Italians go for this? Are the Austrians and the Italians in fact working together against Turkey? Austria seems to think so, but the Italian presence in Venice must be cause for concern.
Will we have a West vs East conflict? And if so will Germany survive or will she be caught in the crossfire? These are dangerous days in Europe but this reporter will remain here reporting these alarming events for you.
