NEWS OF THE WEEK.
REUTER'S Roman correspondent sends a sketch of the understanding which, according to the Foreign Minister of Italy, has for some time existed between Germany, Austria, and the Italian Government. The three Powers undertake to use the greatest care not only in avoiding a war with France, bat in keeping up friendly relations with that country. If, however, any one of the three should be attacked by France, the other two will declare war on her behalf. In the event, again, of any -one of the three declaring war on any Power other than France, the other two, though they may remain neutral, must not join -the attacked Power. Really, Prince Bismarck, from his own point of view, is a great diplomatist. Under that Treaty, he remains free to attack any single Power he pleases, certain that neither Austria nor Italy will inter- fere; while if his grand apprehension proves true, and he is -ever attacked by Russia and France together, Austria and Italy must advance to his aid. In return, he guarantees Austria against France only, a mere phrase, as the two Powers -have no conflicting interests, and also Italy, which by that very guarantee is rendered safe against the assumed contingency. For France to invade Italy with 200,000 men—and less would be useless—while Germany was pouring across the Rhine, would be an act of something like political insanity. There is pro- bably, in addition, a private promise that Italy will keep up her Army and Navy at what the German Staff consider an effective level.
