In the Reichstag on Monday Prince Billow reviewed the European
situation in a carefully prepared speech, of which a considerable part was written. First he denied the assertion that Germany was opposed to the reform movement in Turkey. . Her sympathy with the revolution was quite com- patible with her former friendly relations with the. old regime. As for the alterations in the Berlin Treaty, the principle on which Germany acted was—we quote the Times report— that "in the diplomatic game other Powers must be left to take the lead." At the same time, Germany was determined to be loyal to her ally Austria-Hungary. " We did not hesitate for an instant," said Prince Billow, "not merely to do nothing which could hamper the interests of Austria-Hungary, but actively to support those interests as far us possible." Turning to Russia, Prince Billow said that he had agreed with M. Isvolsky that German policy ought to have no point against Russia. The differences between Italy and Austria- Hungary ought to be composed easily enough, as Italy was faithful to the Triplice. Finally, Prince Billow declared that he agreed with Sir Edward Grey that a Conference on the Balkan question might be "a great sedative or an exciting stimulant." "We wish," he added, "that it may be a sedative." We confess that we break down in all attempts to reconcile these mutually contradictory principles. Thick- and-thin "loyalty" to Austria-Hungary, if Austria-Hungary should be ultimately recalcitrant, would make the rest of Prince Billow's programme absolutely impossible.
