WAR CLOUD.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1719, 9 April 1913, Page 7

WAR CLOUD.

EUROPE UNEASY. GERMANY FEARS SLAV AMBITIONS. • CHANCELLOR'S WARNING. AGITATION IN RUSSIA. ■ By Telegrault—Press Association—Cojiyrizht (Rec. April 9, 0.10 a.m.) | .'. Berlin, April 8. The Imperial Chancellor, llerr von Bethmann Hollwcg, in introducing the 1 Defence Bill in tho Reichstag, eulogised ' Sir Edward Grey's devotion ami ability in conducting tho Ambassadors' Confer- . ence. 'Germany's policy in regard to the ' ■ Balkans was identical with Britain's. • So far as human calculations could foretell, no European war would occur in which Germany would not he involved. It had required the whole sense of the European Cabinets most nearly interested to prevent the development of a tension over the Balkan situation which might lead to a violent outbreak. Europe'will know how to thank Sir Edward Grey,' the British Foreign Secretary, for his extraordinary devotion and conciliatory spirit in adjusting differences at the Ambassadors' Conference. The' decisions of the London conference must be carried out ivith all vigour to ensure a peaceful settlement. . It was of tho utmost importance that tho vitally active States which had arisen in the Balkans should be as effective in peace as i war, but beyond doubt should Slavs and Germans be opposed in a European conflagration, Germany would be placed at a disadvantage by Slav States replacing Turkey as the Balkan power. It was thus imperative to take precautions. The Pan-Slav currents which had made Bismarck uneasy, had been enormously promoted by the Balkan victories, and Germany could not afford to bury her head in the sand, Relations with Russia and France were good, but wide in sections. ■France—not merely the Chauvinists—was relying on the quality of the army and the Russian Alliance, and the hope of British help to entertain ideas of "ravanche." The Chancellor said that he hoped the time was past when every comparison of Anglo-German naval strength led to an agitation poisoning the relations of both countries, and lie was glad to be able to say the long-lacking confidence was beginning to return. "Germany," ho declared in conclusion, 'will attack no one, but if threatened will fight to the last man." "THE VOICE.OF SLAVDOM." DANGEROUS AGITATION IN RUSSIA. AUSTRIA BELIEVED TO BE AFRAID OF WAR. (Rec. April 8, 11.30 p.m.) ' ■ ' London, April 8. : The "Daily Telegraph's" St. Petersburg .correspondent states ..that tho Slav agitation is spreading dangerously. Its leaders are convinced that Prince Gottfrien HohenloheV mission as the bearer of an autograph letter from tho Emperor of Austria to the Tsar proved that Austria.iff afraid of war. Germany had grasped the situation, hence tho new Army Bill, and Franco had realised the position as foreshadowin? a German-Slav conflict. England alone had put a spoke in the wheel of fortune, believing she was working for peace, whereas she was endeavouring to stem the Slav tide with a broomstick. Montenegro defied Europe because she spoke with tho voice of Slavdom. '

BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE. ■ / SPEECH BY SiK EDWARD GREY. ALBANIAN FREEDOM SUPPORTED. (Rec. April 9, 0.10 a.m.) London, April 8. Sir Edward Grey, Sccrctary of State for Foreign Affairs, speaking in the House of Commons, said that Groat Britain was participating in the naval demonstration at Antivari bseause she favoured an autonomous Albania. Agreement on the part of the Powers was essential ■ for European peace, and such agreement had been only just accomplished in time to preserve peace. The war had long since ceased to be a war of liberation, and there was 110 reason why Britain's sympathies should not bo extended to Albania, which was fighting, for its life, its lauds, its languages, and its, religion. Vice-Admiral Burney, who commands tho blockading expedition at Antivari, hud been instructed, added Sir Edward Grey, to join in consultation with , the other internationals on the practicable means of exerting pressure on Montenegro, but tho lauding of naval brigades, field guns, or an actual'bombardment was not fa ba undertaken without further instructions. The war in Albania had become a war of conquest, and had no bearing on the war in Turkey. Hence the Government had no hesitation in joining in an agreement with the Powers, believing it. was in accord with humanity, liberty, and justice. Mr. Bonar Law, Leader of tho Opposition, supported Mr. Asquith in' opposing a discussion on tho naval demonstration at present. BLOCKADE OF ANTIVARI^ ELECTIVE OPERATIONS IN THREE DAYS. (Rec. April 8, 11.30 p.m.) London, April S. Vice-Admiral Burney. not Admiral Tioubiidge, commands the Inlcrunlional blockading squadron. Diplomatic circles believe that tho. Allies are systematically evading a final settlement until Scutari has' been captured. Paris, April 7. The blockading battleships have been ordered to operate effectively on the Montenegrin coast unless the Powers' demands are satisfied within the next three days. BOMBARDMENT NEAR SMYRNA. (Rec. April 9, 0.10 a.m.) ' ' Athens, April 8. A Greek destroyer bombarded the military camps near Smyrna, in A-ia Minor, where it is alleged llmt the Turks are concentrating preparatory to landing troops on the island of Chios. Eight Turks were killed and 120 wounded. DJAVID PASHA ROUTED, SKUVIAiNS C.UTUKE 1500 .TURKS, j (Rec. April I), 11. 10 a.m.) Belgrade, April S. It is semi-ollieinlly announced I hat. Djftvid Pasha ha-, been runted al utter a dctpernlc engagement. Ui* trci'p* ore flying iu disorder

'Iho Servians occupied Liousme, and captured fifteen hundred Turks, including several officers and sixty administrative officials. ' BULGARIAN YOUTHS LOST TWO HKGIMKNTS MOWED. DOWN. (Rec. April 9, 0.10 a.m.) Sofia, April S. Two Sofia regiments, which were decimated early in the war, owing to injudicious handling, were subsequently recruited from youths of the best families, and sent to Chutalja, where they were placed in positions where they were unlikely to bo attacked. Tho Turks, however, learnt of their inexperience, and outflanked them and killed the majority. The incident has caused a revulsion of feeling among prominent Bulgarians in favour of peace. \-