war (no doubt that war of revanche which all Frenchmen still hope for), so long as England has not transformed her military system in such a way as to be able to afford France efficient support on the Continent.
Sir E. Grey stated in the House of Commons that the King of England's journey to Russia would be just such an official visit as those already paid by His Majesty, and that there is no intention of contracting any new treaty with Russia, her relations with England being regulated by the existing convention. Thus the English Minister for Foreign Affairs has cut short the rumours started by certain Press organs of Paris and St. Petersburg that a new triple alliance was in process of formation between England, France, and 'Russia.
Everything, therefore, is "correct," and in the very unlikely case of the Imperial Government having to express any official opinion during the Parliamentary vacation, it could only state its satisfaction at the improved relations between the European Powers as contributing to ensure quiet throughout the world.
In diplomacy one has to pretend to take words at their face value.
Thus Herr von Schön at his lust reception appeared perfectly satisfied with the instructions given to General d'Amade, and professed to believe that the promises which have been given will be religiously kept.
The officially-inspired newspapers have confined themselves to reporting the facts of the interview between the King of England and the President of the French Republic without comment.
The independent Press, which is not bound to similar reticence, does not hesitate to express its uneasiness. Whether it be called alliance, entente, or what you like, that grouping of the Powers, brought into existence by the King of England personally, does exist; and even if it is not a direct and immediate menace to Germany (which it would be going too far to say), it nevertheless constitutes a decrease in the sense of security.
The obligatory declaration of pacific sentiments, which will, no doubt, be repeated at Reval, have very little meaning as emanating from three Powers which, like Russia and England, have just entered, with varying success, on such wars of conquest as those of Manchuria and the Transvaal, for which there was not even any plausible pretext, and no other reason than the desire for
