MONTENEGRO.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16423, 17 January 1919, Page 7

MONTENEGRO.

DETHRONEMENT OF NICHOLAfI. my Cable.—Praaa AjMocUtioa.-Copyrigfcl) (Australia* »nd N.Z. Cable Association.) {Received January 16th, 9.15 p.m.) LONDON, January 14. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" states that simultaneously with the arrival of the representatives of tho so-called United Kingdom of Serbia, Croatia, and Slovakia, the sooalled Government of Montonegro, representing King Nicholas and his friends, issuod a manifesto to tho newspapers denouncing King Nicholas's dethronement, and the union of Montenegro with Serbia as illegal. They declare their intention of invoking of the Peace Conference to restore King Nicholas. On the other hand, five exPremiers and other notables at Cettinje have issued a declaration in favour of union. A correspondent declares that tho Montenegrins have never forgiven King Nicholas for his capitulation to Austria. They have pursued a straight line ever since, culminating in the National Assembly, which proclaimed union with Serbia on December 21st. King Nicholas has been the guest of the French Government, hence the French censorship has hitherto suppressed comments on his position. Other and more important interests are also at stake. A secret treaty in April, 1915, promised Italy as a reward for entering the war nearly all her demands, including a portion of Dalraatia, the Adriatic islands, and the Gulf of Valona. It wns an old-fashioned bargain, made at the time when Italy's intervention promised to be a decisive factor in winning the war, but the riso of Jugo-Slavism and tho importanco of President Wilson's views now give a different outlook to tho position. The matter can be arranged with good will, but Signor Bissolati's resignation suggests that Baron Sonnino may cling to the secret treaty. Telegrams.) (Received January 17th, 12.10 a.m.) v BELGRADE, January 15. The Prince Regent's proclamation to the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes states that the National Assembly will bo convoked at the earliest moment. Tho proclamation outlines a number ot democratic and socialistic measures.