But if we were involved in a struggle with England, we can be quite sure that France would not neglect the opportunity of attacking our flank.

Italy, with her extensive coast-line, even if still a member of the Triple Alliance, will have to devote large forces to the defence of the coast to keep off the attacks of the Anglo-French Mediterranean Fleet, and would thus be only able to employ weaker forces against France.

Austria would be paralyzed by Russia; against the latter we should have to leave forces in the East.

We should thus have to fight out the struggle against France and England practically alone with a part of our army, perhaps with some support from Italy.

It is in this double menace by sea and on the mainland of Europe that the grave danger to our political position lies, since all freedom of action is taken from us and all expansion barred.
Since the struggle is, as appears on a thorough investigation of the international question, necessary and inevitable, we must fight it out, cost what it may.