Friday, January 11, 2013

Rumania.

New York Times 100 years ago today, January 11, 1913:
    It is hard to see in the alleged negotiations between Rumania and Bulgaria anything but a game of diplomatic bluff from which no serious consequences can come if the matters in question are treated on their merits. The claim of Rumania, in simple language, is that she is entitled to "compensation" for letting Bulgaria get what could not have been got had Rumania been ready to oppose it by force.
    The obvious answer to this claim is that it should have been presented at the outset. Since this was not done, the Bulgarian Government is quite justified in saying that it is now too late. If the matter concerned only the two Balkan States, it would not give rise to much solicitude. But, like many other matters in this confused situation, the really disturbing element is the possibility that the interests, the policy, or the ambition of some of the great Powers may become involved — that Russia may find herself impelled to support Rumania and Austria, to back Bulgaria.
    For the moment this is what is being discussed, more or less anxiously, in all the capitals of Europe. We are persuaded, however, that the anxiety will not last long.
    The central fact in the broad situation, so far as concerns the peace of Europe, is that the Emperor of Germany does not wish war, and without his consent war cannot come.

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