RUMANIA DECIDES AT LAST

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2863, 30 August 1916, Page 5

RUMANIA DECIDES AT LAST

OUR NEW ALLY DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE FOR GERMANY (By Telegraph.—Preas Association—OiJiigM). «• > ' Australian-New Zealaia Cable Association. ■■ f '■'■',-■ London, August 28. Rumania has declared war on Austria-Hungary. (Rec. August 29; 10.15 p.m.) i ■',-.' , ■. ■ '■'■■.' ','■ Amsterdam,' August 29. v Rumania's Noto was delivered on Sunday, and announced a state of irar as from 9 o'clock on Sunday night. ■' The Rumanian Minister will leave Viennai to-day. •'.,';■; . ■.■„■.■ .'■'' New York, August 2S. Germany has declared war on Rumania. ■".'.'/'■•' "'.':. ■''■.'"•• ■'■;■■-■:.- '\ (Keuter's'TeleirraH.) I . . (Rcc. August 29, 8.15 p.m.) .:' , . r , h-\ t . '"■'.■ London, August 28. . • V A bermaii .official message, prefaciflg. the announcement of the declara..tion.of war, agatnst-Rumania, states: "Rumania 'has declared war against our ally after disgracefully breaking tho treaties she had concluded with Germany and Austro-Hungary."

■~ HOSTiLIIIES COMMENCED. ' ("The Times.") ■ Rumania has launched hostilities in Transylvania. lmm ' Au £ ust 28 - ' FIRST EXCHANGE 0* SHOTS. . . Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. >• (Rec; August 2S, 8.45 p.m.) > » j. ■ «■ ■' , ■ . London, August 28 An Austrian ofccial communique states: "Theßumanians made a treacherous surprise attack and exchanged firstshots with our frontier posts ontheftmpnan south-eastern and eastern passeß. Our advanced guards in the W turn Pass and the passes south-west and south of Brasso • entered into conflict early on Monday, whence first of the Rumanian prisoners were taken™ s A TURCb-GERMAN DASH ON BUCHAREST. . ' ' (Rec. August 29, 10.15 p.m.) POS f S i B «^tcorre S pondent," SSSj'. 20 quotes-a Bulgarian general as saying that strone German twi-£v i- ■' Sd eal 011 h fl the lead \ te «S InfZh bs£2?\& TnJTfc b e inched in five days, whereas the Russians would not be able to the Rumanians under twenty days. It is believed thn+ tl,o T,?*i! were originally intended for the north-east front, hutW dvert JteS ItSopttaSf mDS:Were B6nt to ' the T ° lda Va " ey t0 tifS , DRAMATIC SCENE WITH THE GERMAN AMBASSADOR

not make war. upon a Hohenzollern. 3 '- U(K:lanD e %* * Hohenzollern should low tS *° T Bim&ly ° f Bum! - d »** folThe fateful Council of Bucharest was opened by the King declaring that ho was able to make a- decision. b. »«""" 0 iu« The Chief of. the General Staff emphasised the excellent condition of the army. - Geraanophile members did not raise great objections, declaring that if sentS y y SUPP ° rt ifc Thero were onl y * hreo di «- (Rcc. August 29,10.15 p.m.) The German.Minister's final audience with the KingTf' at the. request of his allied Ministers (Bulgaria and Turkey), who hoped that with the 5 Kaiser rCSP ° aPP t0 WS nationalit y and llis Knsl; ip 'INTENSE.ENTHUSIASM AT BUCHAREST. The decision to declare war was almost in the streets, and the crowds, intensely enthusiastic, surrounded tho Councillors as they eft the meeting. AH over the city demonstrations in favour of the Entente were immediately orgamsed. Tho Turkish and Bulgarian Ministers have already quitted Bucharest. ° GERMAN INTRIGUE A DISMAL FAILURE. (Beuter's Telegram.) . . •d- j > n i j. j 4. ,•. . London, August 28. .Router's Bucharest correspondent states that the Austrian and German Legations, supported by somo prominent pro-Germansi finding that pressure on the Rumanian Premier (M Bratiano) was futile,-tried to provoke dissension, between M. Bratiano and the King. The latter did not respond to this unconstitutional procedure. . e . The concentration of troops had been almost completed before the docrco announcing tho mobilisation was issued. The authorities are dismissing alien employees,, including many Germans »f whom there aio a number in the technical services, ' STRATEGICAL SITUATION IMPROVES GERMANS IN AN IRON BLOCKADE. (Rec. August 29, 11.40 p.m.) . London, August 29. Rumania's declaration of war evoked jubilant comments in Paris and in Homo, where it was described as an historic stroke of justice, marking the beginning of a phase of great tribulation for the enemy. One of the most important consequences will be tho final enclosure of Germany in a formidable blockade, supplemented by concentric advances on all military fronts. Somo point out that the war wilt return to its greatest iutensity in the Balkans, where it originated l , and where, perhaps, wo will find the solution. The wis'dom of the Allies in holding Salonika is now recognised' as a stroko of genius. Greece, without doubt, is also bound to como in.

The Austrian report of the fighting shows that Hungarian Transylvania is Rumania's immediate objective. Rumania is hero confronted by tho (Carpathians barrier, ono hundred miles broad, Tho conquest may not., bo rapid, but the operations will 'immediately improve the strategic situation, as the .Russian left at Bukowina is now linked with tho Rumanian right, while tho Teutonic right flank is now completely in tho air. It has hitherto rested! on the Rumanian frontier, near tho south-west corner of Bukowina, but it must now bo prolonged four hundred miles r.long tbo Carpathians to tho Danubo at Vorciovova.- It lias been reported ttal a large Russian force is coucolitrating tal t!he Danube, close to the Rumanian frontier at tho Iron Gate, which' may again bo tho scono of a struggle, as in the time of tho?Romans. Apart from the prospeot of the wholesale invasion of Hungary, the Russians are now ablo to march to Bulgaria, Ihrongh. Rumania, utilising their base at Odessa. In this connection ■an interesting statement comes from Potrograd that Russia has armed and trained very considerable forces of her former Austro-Hungar-ian subjeots for use in the Balkans, ami officered! partly by their own and partly by Serbian officers, wbo have taken-the oath of allegiance to tho Tsar, M. JONESCU ON THE SITUATION Australian-New Zealand Oable Association. (Reo. August 29, 11.40 p.m.) New York, August 29. The "New York American's"' correspondent \ at Buoharest interviewed M. Take Jonescu, who Baid: —"Only a great German victory could have checked Rumanian intervention. Our entry will shorten tho war by at least six month. Our most valuable reward will be Transylvania. Hungary will loso a quarter 6f her territory. Our intervention will hasten. Bulgaria's doom, cut off Turkey, and expedite the 1 , fall of Constantinople and the' opening of the Dardanelles."

RUMANIA'S MILITARY STRENGTH (Rec. August 29, 8.45 p.m.) Lonjiorii August 28. Colonel Repington (tho "Times" military writer) says: "Rumania's free decision proves that, her statesmen expect tho Central Powers to bo defeated. The help of an aggregate of ono million trained men, with 1500 guns, will be very valuable to us. The' Rumanians havo chosen the best moment, when tho Austrians are very hard hit on the Russian and Italian fronts. Thero are forty-five Austrian divisions on the Russian front, and from twenty-seven to twenty-eight on the Italian, As a total number of seventy-sis is necessary to occupy Serbia and control Albania, it will be difficult for her to 6crape up troops to reinforco tho army of 60,000 Landsturmors now on tho Rumanian frontier, or withstand an attack. Moreover, the Russian General Letchitsky's strongand victorious army on the Hungarian frontier will be able to combma operations with tho Rumanians.- The two courses open to tbe Rumanian Staff are a simultaneous offensive on the western and southern fronts, or a choice between these two. The fact that Rumania is armed with Mannlicher rifles and Krupp guns causes some disquiet, but there are plenty of rifles in tho country, while tho supply of email arms and artillery ammunition is ample for many months._ A steady supply is also available from other sources, whilo it would bo possible to replenish tho mountain and heavy artillery, which aro Creusots, and the fortress artillery, which also is fairly large, is good. Wo should be able to provide an adequate proportion of heavy guns. '• -WHAT SHE DID.IN THE BALKAN WAS. (Roc. August 29, 3.30 p.m.) London, August 23. Rumania during the Balkan war \vas able to mobilise 600,000 troops. She will probably do better now. There have been manv reports of a .-onsiderablo increase in her artillery, which .is believed to be particularly strong. Her four river monitors should be of considerable use. on the Danube. It is understood that some destroyers will soon he added to her small navy. \ \ RUMANIA'S REASONS . ' (Iteuter'e Telegram.) i . (Rec. August 29, 8.15 p.ni.) . . . Ceneva, August 28. A correspondent m Vienna, in a telegram, states that when the Rumanian .Minister delivered his declaration die simultaneously presented a document of grievances such as tie prosecution of acts of violenco against Rumanians 5n the Dual Monarchy. "The.agreements which formerly attached! Rumania to the Triple Alliance ceased to exist from tbe day on which Germany and Auetro-Hungary broke the Alliance by forcing tbe withdrawal of Italy,*' and proceeds to formulate reasons.-which dictated tho entry into the war." ' "firstly, the anxiety of Rumanians in Austro-Hungary, who were exposed to the risks of war and invasion. "Secondly Rumania, by the act of intervention, believes that such act will shorten the duration of tho world war. "Thirdly, Rumania will take her place alongside the Powore, and will be able most effectively to assist in tho realisation, of her national. ideals." •The decision caused a most painful shock in, Vienna ELATION IN LONDON AustTalian-JNew Zealand Cable Association. (Rec. August 29, 8.15 p.m.)

| . ' London, August 28. I The hows of Rumania's decision reached Loudon first from Berlin, via 'Amsterdam. The confirmatory messagos arrived after a few minutes from almost every capital of the Alfies' countrios, and caused general elation. They arrived too late to much affect tho Stock Exchange, but business closed with a Very cheerful tone, especially in foreign stock and gilt-edged securities. Wheat prices on tho Baltic dropped two shillings. • ■ Rumania's participation was anticipated in London for many days. Numerous 6igns indicated that the actual moment was approaching. Bulgaria's offensive was generally regarded as showing that she was aware of her neighbour's intention, and wanted *? forestall the attack. Open threats in German newspapers againet Rumania indicated that fears were ontertained in German official quarters. The declaration, therefore, did not surprise the Entente countries, but there was a great feeling of satisfaction, and even a jubilant tone, in the Entente capitals. Flags, which had rarely been iseeh in Paris during the war period, were displayed in honour of the event.

COMMENT IN FRANCE. (Rec. August 29, 10.15 p.m.) * V Paris, August 29. M. Brtand (the French Premier) has telegraphed to M. Bratiano as follows:—"Tho_whole of the French nation applauds Rumania's courageous decision to take her place among the defenders of .right and civilisation.. The triumph of our common efforts will assure us a victory which will permit Rumania to realise her national aspirations." The "Temps" says: "The enemy has already lost his military initiative, and now he sees his diplomacy miscarry. The development in Italy and Rumania clearly shows that a change has come over the great game in which tho world's future is staked. Signs of victory appear- on the horizon." _ The "Journal des Debate" says: "These declarations of war will help the Allies to accomplish thoir task, and convince the Germans that Proviaeuco does not approve of their dominion over the world." RUMANIAN STATESMEN CONGRATULATED. ... ' , London, August 28. Widespread congratulations ha.'e boon offered both in England and France to M. Filipescu and M. Jonescu, whose pro-Entente efforts have been fully iecognised. A noteworthy revelation is seen in the Paris newspaper "La .Journal" of August 20, in which appears a letter'from M. Filipescu who declares: "We have not tho slightest dou'bt as to the issue of the wa'r. I beg tnat you _ will henceforth consider Rumania as being among the factors which aro contributing to that happy conclusion." STAGGERING BLOW FOR GERMANY .(Rcuter's Telegram.) ,„, ' , „ T , ,- ,-, ■ T,,e Ha sue, August 28. lno news or the Italian declaration of war against Germany, "and, still more, the Rumanian declaration against Austria-Hungary, created a more profound impression in Berlin than any event since the British intervention in the war. The newspapers are bitter ly attacking Herr von Jagow (Smtotary of State for Foreign Affairs) and Horr Zimmerman (Permanent UnderSecretary of the Foreign Office), regarding them as particularly responsible for the diplomatic defeat. < T Tlwßumanian Legation is guarded by the polico, and the windows of the Italian Embassy wero broken with stones. The R\imanian Ministers will be handed l their passports to-day. PUBLIC SURPRISED AND DISGUSTED. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association, t, , (Rec. August, 29, 8.15 p.m.)

~7 1 •■ n , ', London, August 28. \\ hilo Germany had every reason to fear Rumania's antagonism, tho German public seems to be surprised and disgusted, as tlie newspapers up to tho eleventh hour had! published correspondents' dispatches from Bucharest, asserting that tho danger was past. ' The Viennese Press asserted on Sunday that Rumania had refused a Russian request to i allow the transport of troops. To-day the Austrian newspapers came out with large blanks showing tho'censors' wholesale excisions. One result of Rumania' 6 and Italy's declarations, to which prominence is given in London and Paris, is the effect on Germany, where it will bo impossible any longer to conceal from tho public Rumania's and Italy's view of the future courso of the war.

EXTRAORDINARY ENTHUSIASM IN ITALY. mi ' c » r n • Rome, August 28. iliero were scones of extraordinary 'enthusiasm outside the Rumanian Legation when special editions of the papers announced Rumania's decision. Large crowds paraded tlio streets for hours, cheering Rumania. OPINION l'N AMERICA. ,„■• T , -, , •„ ~•. . New York, August 28. The United Press military expert states that Rumania has shown that eho hohoves that the Allies have turned the tide. The limitation of the- declaration to Austria may induco Lulgafia not to interfere in Rumania's cam-' paign. Tho "New York &lobo" states that Rumania has joined the side which shois sure will win. Her fresh troops will he of inostimahlo value to the Allies and a dreadful menace to Bulgaria, who may now decide to chaiigo sides. The "Journal" says that Bumania's support will he of great strategic value. By closing the Danube Rumania can stop the flow of munitions and supplies through tho one great channel of communication for tho Central Powers to the Balkans. Rumania's action is a grave blow to tho Central Powers. AUSTRALIA'S CELEBRATIONS. (Rec. August 29, 10.15 p.m.) Melbourne, August 29. Flags were Hown from tho Fedora] Parliament Buildings and tho Commonwealth offices as a mark of Italy's and .Rumania's declaration of war. Senator Pearce stated that Austria must bo "getting it in the neck. Rumania has sufficient sbhso to back tho winning horse."

THE NEWS IN CHICAGO WHEAT PIT Chioago, August 28. _ Thoro wore frenzied scenes in the wheat pit. The "bears" made a sensational raid, baeed on the reports that Rumania's entrance into tho war means tho speedy collapse of Turkey and tho exportation of Russian wheat through the Dardanelles. Prices foil seven and eights cents. Later. Rumania's ontry into the war, and tho chances of a railway strike, have "smashed" wheat. There was a general rush to sell, and prices dropped ninecents on opening rates. .- ' (Rec. August 29, 11.15 p.m.) London, August 29. Tho Chioago market has collapsed from 10 to 11 cents. September options close dat 140} cents j December, 143 7-8 conts. This is duo to the Rumanian declaration of w.ar, tho belief that tho Dardanelles will soon he re-opened, and Unfavourable crop reports from Canada. F§LL IN LONDON MARKET. - (Rcc August 29, 8.15 p.m.) London, August 28. Wheat parcels have collapsed, four shillings heing tho rate at the close of business, on receipt of renewed rumour); of the prospects of opening the Dardanelles, combined with, increased shipments. Cargoes aro quiet, little offering. ADDITIONS TO RUMANIAN CABINET. (United Service.) (Rec. August 29,10.15 p.m.) London, August 29. A telegram from Bucharest states that M. Britiano's .brother has been added to tho Cabinet, M. Pherckydos has been appointed Foreign Minister. EXPECTED POLITICAL COUP IN GREECE Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. Athens, August 28: A wireless message states: "It is reported that a "coup de theatre" may be expected in Greece. The dismissal of General Dousmanis and Co. Metaxas is supposed! to be the first more towards it. It is also rumoured that M. Venizelos will be recalled to the Cabinet." PRO-GERMAN STAFF* CHIEFS. London, August 27. Mr. W. Jeffries, the "Daily Mail's" Athens correspondent, states that General Dousmanis and Colonel Metaxas are leading pro-Germans. / [It wa.» reported yesterday that General K. Moskhopoulos had been appointed Chiof of the Greek-Genoral Staff, replacing General Dousmanis, who had been granted leave. Colonel Metaxas was relieved of the post of Assist-ant-Chief of the General Staff.] PUBLIC,DEPUTATION TO M. VENIZELOS. Athens, August 28. Fifty thousand people held a demonstration before the residence of M. Venizelos, who advised a deputation to the King to tell the King that the elections were necessary, but that he must use his name politically, and must give the present Government full political authority to show benevolent neutrality towards the Entente. M. Vonkeloa charged .King Constantine- with violating the Constitution and thwarting the popular will. There were continuous pro-Ally demonstration. \ > ■ i KING CONSTANTINE ILL . ! Athens, August 29. It is announced that the King has suddenly been takon ill, and. cannot .receive the deputation conveying M. Venizelos's recommendations. Copenhagen, August 29. Germany is anxiously concerned over Greece's next step.; The newspapers warn the people to prepare for further embarrassments. / EXPLOITING THEIR TOTTERING KINGDOM. (Rcc. August 29, 11.40 p.m.) London, August 29. The "Daily Telegraph's" Athens correspondent states that tike Italian occupation of Palermo and tho expulsion of tho Greek officials is passing ■unnoticed in Greece. "Though the Kingdom is falling to pieces around them tie a-nti-Vonizelists caro nothing except for the;oxtohnination~bf M. Veiiizelos, and are ready to welcome tho Bulgar and the Turk, provided they help them to attain their own'object. / GREEK PRINCE AT WINDSOR CASTLE. (Rec. August 29, 11.40 p.m.) London, August 29. Prince Andrew of Greece has* arrived at Windsor Castle. THE LIMIT Of'gREEK TOLERATION.

London, Ausust 28. Tho "Daily TelegraphV' correspondent at Athens states that the Entente Ministers asked M. Zaunis (Premier) how far Greece was prepared! to allow the Bulgarians to penetrate. M. Zaimis said ho was endeavouring to persuade the 'enemy Powers not to advanco boyond a lino north of Kostni. If they agreed that would constitute. a temporary frontier, but it was questionable whether the enemy would respect, the agreement. WILL BULGARIA' TURN A SOMERSAULT? (Ecuter's TeloEram.) Paris, August 28. Tho Crown Trince Boris of Bulgaria, when in Vienna, recently, expressed himself to a number of Bourbonists in terms showing the utmost regard for France. It is deduced that King Ferdinand, if defeated, will abdicate in favour of Boris, who will immediately make a declaration in favour of the Entente. '" CRITICAL SITUATION DEVELOPS. ("Th» Times.") (Rec. 'August 29,10.15 p.m.) London, 'August 29. The "Times" correspondent at Bucharest says that the situation in Bulgaria is critical. A German division^has been summoned to suppress proRussian movements. At Philippopolis, Yamboli, and Starazaora, the population resisted, and there was considerable bloodsfed. The position, of M. Radoslavoff's Cabinet is very critical. BULGAR ROBBERS AND TERRORISTS. : Australian-Hew Zealand Cable Association. (Rec. August 29, 11.40 p.m.) / • ~,,', Athens, August 29. The Bulgarians have arrived at Malik, two hours' march from Krithia, and are terrorising tho inhabitants. They seized twenty-five million kilograms l of cereals and occupied the regions. The 6eized grain had been stored for Greek military use on farmers handb.