THE ULSTER OF ALBANIA.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14978, 21 May 1914, Page 7

THE ULSTER OF ALBANIA.

BRITISH ADVICE TO PItINCE

WILLIAM.

(FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

LONDON, April 9

Prince William had ii.o sooner lauded at Durazzo, tho capital of tho now State of Albania, than ho was confronted with tho military problem as to tho advisa'bleness of mobilising his army. The trouble has arisen ovor the district of tho Epirus, which object* to being included in tho now State. Tho Epirotes, who a*o Qjrcok in sympathy, have raised a .volunteer army and formed a provisional government, and hope to resist Albania's claims by force. Tho International Commission of Control in .Albania havo used their influence to prevonfc tho realisation of tho War Minister's idea of mobilising the Albanian and Turkish reservists for action against tho insurgents. Tho British Commissioner, Mr Lamb, especially put beforo the Government tho unsatisfactory state- of tho finances, tho scant hopo of military success with an army untrained, itl-equipped, and unprovided with artillervj and tho danger of complications with. Montenegro in tho north over tho frontier question, besides tho inadvisablcncsa of tho project "on grounds of general policy. Moreover, there are two for the post of Commander-in-chief of tho Albanian army, and ac neither will givo way. King William Tvil] have to ciso considerable tact. The Cabinet has not yet come to a decision* but it is hoped that tho necessity for mobilisation will not arise.

Mr Z. D. Forriman, writing from tho. disaffected district at the o:id of March, sends to tho "Daily Chronicle" ;i penpicture of tho loaders of tho Provisional Government of Epirus 5 men who may play a great part in the near future. MEMBERS OF THE CABINET. "M. Karapanos, designated as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, eaid: 'Call us an Executive Committee a-cting as a Provisional Government. We do not pretend to hold portfolios or aspire to Cabinet rank. I am deputed to takecharge of our relations with tho world outside, because I have been fifteen years in the Diplomatic Service; and am familiar with the work. No, I was notbrought up in England; but it is tho first tongue I learned to spoak. I am an Epiroto born, and Deputy in tho Greek Chamber for a division in Southern Epirus, which has long been ours.' "Colonel Doulis, who has charge of tho Military Department, and commande the forces, was born at Nivitza, in the Chimara district. Hβ was through both tho Macedonian and tho Epirus campaigns, was wounded at Bizani, and distinguished himself by his bravery. The Metropolitan of Argyrocastro, Vasilios, was born at Labano. He studied at the famous Theological College on tho Isle of Halki, near Constantinople, was professor at the gymnasium at Serros, then at Adrianoplo, then Bishon of Daphnorissio, and successively Metropolitan of Paramythia, Avlona* and Argyrocastro. whither ho came in 1909. -Ho has charge of the Department of Religion and Justice. "The Metropolitan of Koritza, who has an intimato knowledge of the country and its inhabitants, has been ap pointed to tho direction of Homo Affairs. That is tho composition of. what tho inhabitants of Argyrocastro delight to consider tho 'Cabinet , or Enirus and a Government it undoubtedly is, for no other authority exists. THE MAN OF THE HOUR. "The man of tho hour, M- Zographos, has a keen, kindly countenance, and years have not dimmed the light in his dark eyes. 'Extremely simple in manner, ho* talks well and to the point. Ho speaks French like a Parisian, for lip not only made his studies in Paris, but jjved there many years. Ho was Minister for Foreign Affairs during the Ministry of M. Üballys, and Governor-General ot Epirus after tho war, but ho docs not profess to be a keen politician. Ho is more interested in agrarian questions, ; in which he is deeply versed. I "In Colonel Botsaris I discovered ono j of my fellow-passengers from Prevesn— he was in mufti then. He has retired from the Greek Army, but has taken service for Epirus—a man of courteous, pleasant manners. Another fellowtraveller I found in Count Romas, of /.ante. Although Paris was his urn -, versity, he speaks English and has English family connexions. Of stalwart build and impressive presence, his com•panions introduced him as Herouies. He was through both the Macedonian and Epirus campaigns. In the latter he commanded the red-jacket*,. *-»* af the taking of Bizani, and was

wounded at Dri.vo. Ho is not a member of the Provisional Government, but is engaged in raising a regiment of ira&c-tireurs. He is a Deputy in tho breek Chamber, and has been its President several times."

Tho leaders of the Epirus are making clothing for the soldiers and collecting funds, and two English ladies have arrived to superintend the jiiirsin".