The better understanding between Russia and England, of which proof
is given by the recent agreement as to China, is causing a good deal of irritation and annoyance on the Continent. The French newspapers, indeed, have published a semi-official Note, evidently intended to allay the fears of those who think that Russia is turning from France to England. The Note takes great trouble to deny the truth of M. de Witte's secret Report published by the Times, but it does not really shake its authenticity. In Germany the dis- like of the agreement takes the form of assertions that such understandings between Russia and England are always short-lived, and that a real understanding between' Powers so essentially hostile is impossible. It is, of course, quite easy to understand why both France and Germany' should so greatlydislike to see England and Russia in agree-' went. Take our own case. When we are on good terms with Russia we are practically invulnerable. We hold the sea, and our one weak point on land, India, can only be reached by Russia. Germany, again, has hitherto always cherished in the background the possibility of being able to say to Russia:. " We are practically the only Power that can reach you by land ; do not then throw us into the arms of your enemy, England." ' Our understanding with Russia makes that ".squeeze " no longer available. In a word, the agreement with Russia, if it is maintained and developed as it should be, will immensely increase our power in Europe. It will help us diplomatically at every turn.
