KITCHENER AND THE GREEKS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2626, 23 November 1915, Page 5

KITCHENER AND THE GREEKS

SOME INTERESTING GUESSING

BUT NO INFORMATION A "PACIFIC BLOCKADE" : SENSATION AT ATHENS The absorption of the public mind—military, official, and civil— in the situation in the Balkans is reflected by tlis almost entire absence of hews from the,other great theatres to-day Kitchener's visit to Athens is the topic of the .most intense speculation as to its nature, objective, and results, and various writers have hazarded circumstantial opinions on the matter, with some unanimity of assertion that the basis of Kitchener's and M. Denys-Cocliin's negotia- ' tions with the King and the Premier concerned the maintenance of Greece's previous declaration of benevolent neutrality, and an assurance regarding freedom of movement for the Allies' troops. A Serbian official message announces an important victory over the Bulgars in the Leskovatz-Nish. district, the enemy suffering enormous losses. The British Legation's announcement- of an economic and commercial > " blockade has causcd a profound sensation at Athens. It is regarded ,by Some as an operation similar to that enforced against. Greece in 1886 by a liffererit group of Porers, and described as a "pacific blockade." The submarine war in the Mediterranean still continues, and a fresh loss is*''reported to-day in the torpedoing of a French transport. ' LORD KITCHENER 'LEAVES ATHENS • ' . LENGTHY SITTING OF GREEK CABINET v . « THE SERBIAN RETREAT TO THE FRONTIER . ' By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright _ _ _ Athens, November'2l. A lengthy Cabinet meeting followed Lord Kitchener's interviews with. Kin? Constantino and M. Skouloudis. Lord Kitchener has loft Athens. GERMAN NEWS PAPER UNEASY- ' Copenhagen, November 21. The "Frankfurter Zeiturig" in an editorial says it fears that Lord Kitchener's visit will produce a sudden change in Greece's policy. '' It is reported from Berlin that M. Skouloudis is indicting several of M. at Crete for high treason. '* •• 1 ■ t A GUESS AT KITCHENER'S TERMS SUSPICIOUS CONCENTRATION OF GREEK DIVISIONS. (Rec. November 22, 7.30 p.m.) i _ Paris, November 22. Comments on Lord Kitchener's visit agreo that Lord Kitchener had the opportunity to say many things to King Constantino, under tlio artistic arrangements whereby the "Kitchener touch" followed immediately the paternal gentleness and bonhomie of M. Demys-Cochin. . Details of the interview secret, but it is assumed that the Allies 'are only asking Greece for the strict fulfilment of her promises of benevolent neutrality, and important questions associated with the concentration of Greek troops at Salonika, where it is estimated there are fifteen divisions. What is the reason for this? Unless Greece is prepared, to fulfil her treaty obligation to help Serbia. _ some degree, of demobilisation seems necessary as a minimum proof of the sincerity of her neutrality. REPORTED ASSURANCES TO LORD KITCHENER (Rec. November 22, 10.55 p.m.) - / ' According to the Greek;Ministeriai journals, King' * M Skouloudis assured Lord Kitchener that Greece would never attack the AllieJ The way is clear for an agreement. , r T' l6 A ! lietl lave begun a severe search of Greek vessels in thn Mediterranean. 1 ° The _ "Times's" Athens correspondent says ener's visit warrant views on the prospect of a settlement. His arrival was quite unexpected. Major-General Sir Brvan MarmiTinn frw ing the British Expedition to Salonika) and General Sir John manding in Egypt) accompanied him. His visit was too sudden and bre?to general and particularly the strategy 'of the present campaign. His inter view with M. Skouloudis related to political questions. RESULT OF VISIT ANXIOUSLY AWAITED. (Rec.' November 22, 5.5 p.m.) ■Diplomatic circles in London await in feverish anxiety thJ residt 2 of tlm conversation between King Constantme .and Lord Kitchener. Some quarters are liopefu of favourable developments, and point out that Greek public opinion at first had been deeply, impressed by the reports of the German victories, but had changed during tlio last few days to friendliness, as "vas evident from the enthusiastic reception accorded to M Denys-Cocl in (the I'rencli Cabinet's Envoy), while sympathy towards the Allies is believed to I n growing daily. ™ 10 j" 3 THE ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL BLOCKADE PROFOUND SENSATION CREATED IN GREECE. . The Forei S" Office states that it has not receiv^an°y' 'information Warding tlio reported blockado of Grecce* t o mu fti i? Cairo, November 21. ■ Ihe Egyptian insurance companies refuse to issue policies to frnnlr steamors, the banks wilLnot accept lading bills, and tlio Egyptian nost oS reluse to send money orders to Greece. 1 ("Times" and Sydnoy "Sun" Services.)' a t i l- -Li ii,,' Athens, November 22. A profound has been created by the British Location's state meiit that the Entente Powers liavo declared an economic and commercial blockade of Greece. The newspapers say that in view of tile Hellenic Government's attitude regarding the sccunty of the Entente's troops and the libcrtv action they are entitled to-in connection with their disembarkation, the Allied lowers judge it necessary to take certain iiieanuri'fi liuvitiu the object [of suspending tho commercial aud eoonomic facilities Greece lias hitherto

enjoyed. The Powers in nowise intend to coerce Greece to depart from ]ier neutrality, which she believes best serves her intersst-s, but the Entento is obliged to talc 6 cognisance of certain allusions which have been made to the possibility of measures by tlio Green Government which aro contrary to tlio assurances which had been received. When all doubt on these matters has been dissipated the Allies will be happy to remove the obstacles they have now opposed to the arrival of_ merchandise consigned to Greece, and accord tlio latter the shipping facilities naturally attending their normal relations. The anti-Vcnezeliso newspapers predict a total luck of bread for the non-combatants in a few days. They allege that the Allies' measures are intended to force Greece to abandon her neutrality. Tlio nowspaper point out that it is possible that Greece will undertake not to disarm the Allied troops, and prevent the Germans and Bulgarians from pursuing them over Greek soil, but in sueli a. caso tlio Allies must leave. Greek territory, as_ it would bo impossible to prevent the Germans and Bulgarians from pursuing them if the Allies await reinforcements. Salonika, November 22. It is understood that Lord Kitchener and M. Denys-Cochin demanded 'assurances of absolute freedom of action. A "PACIFIC BLOCKADE" (Rec. November 22, 9.35 p.m.) ml , London, November 22. The blockade of Greece resembles tjio Pacific blockade of the Greek ports m 1886. It will stop the movements of Greek troops by sea, and this is important, as Salonika is not connected with thr> Greek railway system. WHAT IS A PACIFIC BLOCKADE? In 18S6 Greece was blockaded by Great Britain, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Russia, to prevent her from engaging in war with Turkey, and thus forcing tlio Powers to define_ their attitude towards the latter Power. uio instructions given to ( the British commander were to detain everv ship under the Greek flag coming out of or entering any of the blockaded" ports ')r harbours, or communicating with any ports within tlio limit blockaded; but any parts of tlio cargo on board of such ships belonged to any subject or citizen o£ any foreign Power other than. Austria, Germany,. Italy, and Russia, and had been skipped before notification of t]io blockade, or after such notification, but under a charter mado before tho notification, sncli ship was not to be detained. The term "pacifio blockado" was invented by Hautefcuille, the French writer on International Maritime Law, to describe a blockade exercised by- a great Power for the purpose of bringing pressure to bear on'a weaker Stafe w!??rcirt actual war. That it is an act of violence. ' and therefore in the nature of war—we quote from the "Encyclopaedia Britahnica" — is undeniable,(Seeing that it can only be employed as a measure of coercion by maritime Powers able to bring into action such vastly superior forces to thosethe resisting State can dispose of that resistance is'out of the question In this respect it is aa act of war, and any attempt to exorcise it against a Power strong eiKoigh to resist would bo a commencement of hostilities,' and at once bring into play'the rights and duties affecting neutrals. !0n the '• other hand, the object and justification of a pacific blockade being to avoid (war, that is, general hostilities and disturbance of international traffic, .with the State against which the operatiqn is carried, on, rights of war cannot consistently- be exercised against ships belonging to other States than those concerned. "And yet, if neutrals 1 were not to be affected by it, the coercive effect of such a blockade might he completely lost. Recent practice has been to limit interference with them to the extent barely necessary to carry out 'tho purpose of the blockading 'Powers. ■ . DISEMBARKATION QF ALLIES' TROOPS CONTINUES. . . Paris, November 22. A French official communique states that the disembarkation of the AngloFrench troops at Salonika continues. . AN INTERVIEW WITH M. VENIZELOS "THE NEW BATTLE-GROUND IN THE BALKANS." ■ (Rec. Novomber 22, 9.35 p.m.) '! * Athens, November 22. Mr. G. Ward Price (of tlio "Daily Mail") has interviewed M. . Venizelos. Tho latter said: "Tho Germans are bound to be conquered in the"-end, for tlie reserves from which tiiey are drawing their resources are' much smaller than those of the' Allies. The Germans havo already passed the zenith of their strength, and though tlrtsy aro powerful enough to prolong the struggle for <i long time, tlio-new battle-ground in the Balkans otters luvouhibla conditions for the Entdnte Powers to detail largo bodies of troops, and thus cut off Germany from her supplies of men and minerals and from Turkey. If the Allies smash the Germans in Serbia, a line of invasion will open across' tho Hungarian Plain, Germany's weakest ilank. _ "I have the'greatest admiration for Sir Edward Grey," he added, "but it would be a mistake to chill Greek sympathies by offering the Bulgarian! Kavalla without first ascertaining whither thoy would accept a bribe. The mas? of tho Greeks felt ihat it would bk too risky to accept Cyprus under conditions which were likely to result in \heir forfeiting the rest of their territory." GRAECO-BULGARIAN AGREEMENT DENIED. (Re'e. November 22, 5.5 p.m.) t v London,' November 21. The Greek Legation has been instructed from Athens to deny the existence of any . Graeco-Bulgarian agreement, cxcopt a technical protocol which was dated October 29, and signcci by tho representatives of the Graeco-Bul-garian railways, providing for tho purchase in Bulgaria of 10,000 tons of cereals, Bulgarian wagons to be. used for their transport. THE SERBIAN CRISIS AT MONASTIR RISING OF BULGARIAN RESIDENTS FEARED — Paris, November 21. The "Petit Journal" says that the Serbians at Monastir advanced seven kilometres towards Prilep, and the Bulgarians apparently stopped them. Rome, November 21. - The "Corrjere della Sera's" Msnastir correspondent. states that the authorities fear a risiiig of 6000 Bulgarian inhabitants. Soldiers and gendarmes have been armed with bombs in order to quell the outbreak. Athens, November 21. Soldiers from the front report that the Serbian retreat is orderly. They v lost no prisoners, and the only guns captured were old and of little value. So ghastly were tho Bulgarian atrrcities at Tirot that tho Austro-Germans intervened, and policed Nish to save innocent people. IMPORTANT SERBIAN VICTORY ANNOUNCED ' BULGARS ROUTED WITH ENORMOUS LOSSES. « (Rec. November 22, 10.55 p.m.) ' _ London, November 22. A Serbian official communique states: "An important, victory has been achieved after several days' battle in the Leskovatz-Nisli district, resulting in the rout of the Bulgarians, with enormous losses." GERMAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. (Rec. November 22, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, November 21. A German official communique states: "General von Koevess occupied the Novi Bazar. « "Gcnoral von Gallwitz and General Bodjadieff's (Bulgarian) right-wing aro fighting for the exit Lab Valley, northward of Prishtina. "We captured 3S00" Serbians on November 19 and 4400 on November 20." ARE THE ALLIES TOO LATE ? WHAT ONE CORRESPONDENT ASSERTS. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun"' Services.) (Roc. November 22, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 21. The "Daily Mail's" Paris correspondent, in a telegram from the Balkans, indicates that the Allies are too late. "Little remains of Sorbin to save. It seems that the Allies have been cut off froin the main Serbiau army, which must bear tho brunt of the Bulgar-German invasion. "Heavy guns and motor-tractors havo been sent from Safia, with a' quarter of a million rifles, to arm tho Bulgar reserves. French military critics consider that this is a preliminary against the Allies at Salonika, in the hope of driving them into the sea. "The first condition of safety for tlio Allies is tho removal of the Greek menace. It is absolutely necessary that three hundred thousand fresh troops should be laiided immediately in the Aegean.A TRAGIC PICTURE. The "Tribune's" correspondent at Monastir paints a tragic picture .of the Sorbian crisis. Colonel Vassick, with a handful of troops, is determined, to cover the retreat of tho panic-stricken civilians. Tlio Bulgars are'drawing in on the doomed city. Vassick has armed volunteers, and advised the Allied con-suls-to depart. Two Serbian officers were dispatched to Salonika to ask for aid from tho Allies.' They said, with tears in their eyes: "We cannot hold out longer. We have no more men and no bread, and shall bo totally exterminated. We have been unable.to save Sorbia." ■ • PRESS COMMENT ON THE SITUATION ■ London, November 21. Tho Sunday "Times" says: "Tho guarantors of Greece's independence and G'recco's constitution aro bound to defend both. It is surely within their leal provinco to decide on their own method and time. Even if they deem Unnecessary to suspend or dothrone King Constantino, they havo still that leal right in dofenco of tho constitution." ° Tile "Observer" says: "King Constantino is virtually govoriiing by a coup d'etat. He may havo forgotten that Britain, France, and Russia rendered auttfi jiai'Vlyca anil favours to Qreouo iw no other nation iivor received, 'J'lia protectini: Powm* later bad bjj, awakening, and. as guarantors were compelled

to ask in their turn for unmistakable, unbreakable guarantees. Rumania's present policy is untouched by sentiment j it is entirely determined by cauculation. A strong pro-German minority at Bucharest is pressing Germany's case more vigorously than ever, and wo must now use every inducement capable ot turning the scale. Tiiero must bo a definite undertaking that. England, L< ranee, and Russia. will jointly employ at least three-quarters of a million men 111 the Balkans at no distant date." ' ; SHOULD WE WITHDRAW FROM GALLIPOLI » • QUESTION OF MILITARY STRATEGY DISCUSSED. , (Rcc, November 22, 8.35 p.m.) ri n i„,,„i <ji. , , Petrograd, November 22. qitin+inn in +i, m "?» y ( tl]e r^' ns^a » military writer), reviewing the Dardanelles fnvn'nrc +1i -+i i i Se ,. kazettc," assumes that General Monro's report Sal ir'Sr &alllpoli from fl, . e stfijulpoint of strategy. The tint- Am nit:, j. c f* a JP?, s °P en tn serious objection, as it was clear +i, O i r 14° J ? Dardanelles would be decided in Berlin. Neverle™ftl,t™. S att '' actet l the main body of the • Turkisli- army, and ro w-i*nht f^,cin llr6 on , I Ls /P t al s Jl'e Caucasus. The capture of Constantinople safelv lnvn' liorn aS i m? n e demanded a larger forco than could in tlm w'nrlrl 1 , s^il • I . e attack on tho straits proved that no fleet were defended° overcome tlle coastal -fortifications, however weakly they tiito tlro'o n W T C ' 6 ?n' J lO "tliat'tho Anglo-French forces are divided f S * wl l' !o ,t he enemy, is in a single compact mass Hence General f a ! ? the necessity of leaving Gallipoli. .It would be more ++ lent .t° leave the Balkans, as the Austro-Germans cannot be pJi> J™ nf f strenstllen human resources by Balkan contingents, or the J/ 01 ?, P assa S e J°' Asia Minor and Egypt. Sir Charles Monro evidently n u! i - i .co'jeentratiot of the three groups of the Allied armies in the JialKans, which is imperatively demanded by the principles of strategy. A \ictory in Macedonia would open tho road to Constantinople more speedily than tho slow, siege operations iu Gallipoli." BRITISH CAMPAIGN IN SYRIA RUMOURED FRENCH NEWSPAPER'S ADVERSE CRITICISM. / (R«c. November 22, 5.5 p.m.) Tho "Temps" states that strong British contingeiftf the Suez Canal, iliey are credited with, the intention of taking tho offensive in Syria, via Simu. Such an expedition is not likely to be successful, as the troops must cross 400 miles of broken country. The forces which would boused on the way would themselves bo sufficient t.o conquer Syria at one point lauded at Alexandretta, making tlio Suez Canal their starting f •■ oul , d - rap £ at ol,r Gallipoli by attacking the southern end of the leninsida. There aro considerable British reinforcements in. Ecvilt .Many couldvbe borrowed for Salonika without endangering the Suez Canal and used in Serbia,.thereby offering a better guarantee for the British iwssessions, becauso the enemies which may threaten them aro in Serbia' where they must be' beaten in order to bar tho road to the-east.