Nothing whatever is yet known of the policy to be
adopted by the British Government. The most definite account is that Lord Derby has written to the Porte, stating that it has no aid to expect from London ; but this is denied, and it is scarcely probable that Lord Derby, withbut Parliamentary pressure, would commit himself to so definite a step. To do nothing, avowedly, is sometimes bold, and is beyond him. his asserted, on the other hand, that the British fleet has been ordered to rendezvous at Malta, and will be despatched thence to Besika Bay, a movement which will be interpreted by the Turks as a promise of aid to them in case of defeat. There is, however, as yet no sign in military or naval news that the Government contemplate interference, while the Budget is based upon the theory that the next year will be a year of official inaction.
