ON THE VERGE OF WAR.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1738, 1 May 1913, Page 5

ON THE VERGE OF WAR.

AUSTRIA'S LATEST MOVE. CRITICAL POSITION. FEELING IN BRITAIN. THE FATE OF ALBANIA. KING NICHOLAS AND ESSAD PASHA. Bs Teleffrapli—Press Association—Cods risk! Vienna, April 29. It is announced that as tho Ambassadors' Conference has failed to decide on decisive measures being taken against Montenegro, Austria has decided to act independently. The Italian and Austrian Cabinets aro exchanging telegrams. Cetinje, April 29. Tho Montenegrin Government has postponed giving a final reply to the Powers until after the Greek Easter. Vienna, April 29. Austria, awaits the decision of Thursday's Conference of Ambassadors. SCUTAR!. UNCONDITIONAL EVACUATION DEMANDED. PEREMPTORY REFUSAL. (Rec. .April 30, 10.45 p.m.) London, April 30. The "Daily Telegraph's" Vienna correspondent states that Baron Giesl von Gieslingen, Austrian Minister to Montenegro at Cetinje, lias demanded, on behalf of Austria-Hungary, tho immediate and unconditional evacuation of Scutari by Montenegro. King Nicholas, it is reported, peremptorily declined to recognise this demand. With a view of preventing unnecessary delay in the negotiations over the occupation of Scutari by Montenegro, the Powers aro arrauging the preparation of a basis for peace for the approval of the belligerents. It is stated that Monday's Conference of the Ambassadors showed that the majority of the Powers are unprepared to adopt warlike measures against Montenegro, although they were apparently prepared to consent to the occupation of some coast town in the event of continued recalcitrancy on the part of Montenegro. Vienna, April 30. The "Allegemeine Zeitnng" says that the Ambassadors on resuming the Conference on Thursday, 'will decide which, if any, of -the Powers shall participate in Austria's possible coercive action in the event of King Nicholas refusing to yield unconditionally. The newspapers oontinue to exhibit an impatient tone. The military organs demand the breaking off -of the Conferences. (Rec. May 1, 0.5 a.m.) London, April 30. •Austria's announcement that she will act independently was made to the Vienna editors and foreign correspondents, and not to aDy Cabinet. Cetinje, April 29. Prince Danilo has returned. He presented King Nicholas with the key of Scutari in the presence, of an enthusiastic crowd. The authorities are restoring order in Scutari. The sanitary conditions are good, and disease is not prevalent. Tho civilians have suffered greatly from lack of food, children dying in the streets.

London, April 29. The "Daily Telegraph" states that Essad Pasha was allowed to march out of Scutari with his whole army and equipment. BRITISH PRESS OPINIONS. VAGUE MENACES. ATTEMPT TO FRIGHTEN THE POWERS. (Rec, May 1, 0.5 a.m.) London, April 30. The "Daily Mail," in a leading article headed "An Attempt to Frighten the Powers," 6ays Austria's vague menaces are not likely to overoome the objections to the forcible ejection of King Nicholas. Tho "Morning Post" states that the diplomatists doubt whether it would suit Austria to engnge in a costly war, and thus arouSo Russia. They contend that thero are other means of coercion, including Montenegro's pressing need of money. British Government circles are hopeful of a settlement. "The Times" states that as the Powers are unanimous regarding the substance— namely, tho determination that Europe's will must prevail—and divided only regaining procedure, it is impossible to conceivc that Austria would be so incredibly rash as to tako immediate singlehanded action. There ,havo been heavy momentary declines on the Stock Exchanges. ALBANIA'S FUTURE. A COMPACT THE SULTAN'S SOVEREIGNTY. (Rec. May 1, 0.5 a.m.) t London, April 29. Djnvid Bey is unpopular owing to his former severe repression of tho Albanians, and trouble between the two leaders is I possible. Tho "Chronicle's" Vienna correspondent states that Prince Danilo handed Essad Pasha a telegram from tho Turco-Albanian Committee .at Constantinople urging Essad Pasha and Djavid Bey lo savo Albania awl.overthrow Ismail Kemal Bey's provisional Government at Valona. Essad Pasha concluded a compact with King Nicholas of Montenegro, providing for the Sultan's sovereignty over Albania, which would join the Balkan League. Montenegro would secure Scutari and San Giovanni. King Nicholas supplied Essad Pasha mill ammunition and provisions, and released and armed five thousand Turkish prisoners. It is stated that Russia patronised tho scliome. It is reported that Djavid Bey lias overthrown tho Valona Government. Some of tho diplomatists interviewed in London suggest that Essad Pasha, who has proclaimed himself King of Albania, is influential with a more or less organised following. In addition, ho enjoys tho prestige of the gallant defenco of Scutari. Theso influences would be missing in tho caso of any foreign prince or other outside nominee for the Albanian throne.

It is, therefore, hinted that if ho is allowed to govern Albania, Essad Pasha was willing in exchange- for Scutari to make conceptions satisfying Montenegro.