A NEW PHASE IN THE BALKANS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2695, 15 February 1916, Page 5

A NEW PHASE IN THE BALKANS

' ROMANIA'S MODRED ADVENT ENEMY'S CHECK AT SALONIKA By TelesTarh—Press Association—Copyright London, February 13. In view of Rumania's future policy, which is daily causing increased activity, and also of the importance attached by the German Press to the news that railway communication between Russia and Rumania has boon interrupted owing to the movement of troops in Bessarabia, where only troop trains are moving, it is considered in some quarters in London that to-day's news marks the opening of a new phaae in tho Balkans. . PROSPECTS OF MILITARY ACTIVITY DOUBTFUL. Paris, February 13. The Paris "Journal's" Salonika correspondent says it is difficult to anticipate any serious military event during the rainy; season, which has just commenced, and which will probably last until the middle of Marcel.. It will also be ueccssary to act promptly before tho hot, unhealthy season sets in over tlie Macedonian marshes, lasting from May until September. It is not true tli,at the Germans have abandoned their intonded offensive against Salonika, but their prospects of success are hopeless. Tie Serbians continuo to respond in numbers that surpass the must sanguine hopes. KAISER BULLIES RUMANIA (Rec. February 14, 11.85 p.m.) Rome, February 14. ."II Secolo's" Bucharest correspondent says that the diplomatists have received information that tho Kaiser, when replying to the Bulgarian King's questions regarding Rumania, remarked "If the latter disbelieves the fate of Belgium, becauso Belgium is distant, we hope she will not be blind* to the spectacle of Serbia. If that does not waken her from her .dreams, the Austro- ' Germans, and Bulgars, and Turks liavo sufficient troops to throw across tho Danube to Bucharest." It is understood that the Bulgarians and Germans are anxious to clearlv ascertain Rumania's final attitude before attacking Salonika.

GERMANS EXPEL GREEK AND RUMANIAN CONSULS London, February-13. Renter's correspondent at Salonika sajs that the Germans have expelled the Greek and Rumanian Consuls from Monastir, fearing they would learn the Austro-German plans in "hat region. The Rumanian Consul declares, tho Bulgarians are terrorising tho Greeks in Monastir and ill-using the women. AUSTRIAN PURSUIT OF THE MONTENEGRINS A TASK OF GREAT DIFFICULTY. Rome, February 13. General von Koevess states that ho is experiencing great difficulty in the pursuit of the Montenegrins in the mountains. Only one-third of Montene-, gro has been occupied, and only one-tenth of the rifles captured. 'The pn* soners of war do not exceed' 4000. SERBIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS AT NICE. Paris, February 13. One hundred members of the Serbian Parliament have arrived at Nico. BULGAR WANTS PEACE OVERTURES TO THE ENTENTE POWERS. Athens, February 13. Tlie statement is confirmed that Bulgaria has made overtures to the Entente Powers for a separate peace. DEFENCE OF THE SUEZ CANAL STRICT PRECAUTIONS IN EGYPT. ("Times" and Sydney "Snn" Services.) 1 ' London, February 13. The "Pall Mall Gazette" correspondent at Alexandria says: "Egypt is still kept very much in tlie dark regarding events on the frontier. Fantastic bazaar rumours are current, but no doubt the military authorities are not running risks, so far as the defenco of tho Canal is concerned. Tlie Com-mander-in-Chief has declared the Canal zone a restricted area, and travellers now require a special railway permit. The new system has caused excitement, but indicates that preparations for the defence of the Canal have been properly carried out. There are constant rumours of skirmishes: but these rumours are not verifiable. The prevalent idea is that the Arab uprising in the west has utterly failed; but it is stated that it, will be shortly repeated against Egypt." .