The European Situation

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 29, 1914

The European Situation

According to newspaper reports, political affairs in Europe are far from reassuring. The reports declare:—

While it is, of course, too early to predict what the new year will bring, especially as practically all the parliaments of Europe are still enjoying their Christmas vacation, there are plenty of ominous clouds in all corners of the political sky.

The hope that the end of the Balkan war would at least temporarily settle the Balkan question as far as the remainder of Europe is concerned, has utterly failed. It may even be said that peace has brought up a number of difficulties which could not be foreseen. The Balkan settlement has really satisfied nobody, least of all, Turkey.

Austria is dissatisfied with the loss of her influence in Bulgaria and with the increased power of Servia. Russia, still furious because Germany has a new opportunity to organize the Turkish army, is doing everything to stir up anti-German feelings in France, though it is evident that on this point Germany must and will remain firm. The Turkish people gave the German Gen. Von Sanders a most cordial reception, and the Turkish government declares itself unable to understand why Russia and France should object to a German general reorganizing the Turkish army, as long as French officers have long been doing the same for the Greek army.

There is a rapidly increasing fear and distrust of Russia in Turkey, and the tone of the press is exceedingly bitter.

The situation in Albania is much more grave than is generally known or officially acknowledged by the European powers, according to authoritative information gathered in diplomatic circles last week. The various governments are directing all their efforts to prevent a fresh outbreak of war in the Balkans.

Tension is said to have reached such a point that Germany has proposed joint Austrian and Italian military intervention in Albania.

The suggested intervention is the reason why Italy and Austria have recently concentrated their warships along the Albanian coast. Both nations, however, hesitate to follow German advice.