Ottoman Diplomats

Synopsis

The crisis in Europe and the tensions between the Great Powers, taking military measures and raising the number of effectives, also had its repercussions in Belgium. Seïfeddin Bey explains that Belgium had not made any military efforts previously, as its neutrality was proclaimed and guaranteed by France, England and Prussia in a treaty of 1831. In 1909, a first military bill was adopted: the replacement system was replaced by compulsory personal military service for the first son of each family. This did not seem sufficient anymore. Belgium feared to be invaded by belligerent armies, if it would come to a conflict between France and Germany. Consequently, a bill on the recruitment and the reorganisation of the army would be discussed in the Belgian parliament, aiming to increase the number of effectives. Seïfeddin Bey describes the proposed composition and reorganisation of the Belgian army. The fortresses that were built before, came in handy now and would be made ready. In the parliamentary debates and the Belgian press, Seïfeddin Bey saw proof of Belgium’s sympathy for France and its fear for a German invasion. Moreover, the fortresses were mainly made considering the chance of a German invasion. The military measures seemed to be taken with this in mind. To Seïfeddin Bey it was clear which side Belgium would take in case of war.

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