THE BALKANS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1008, 29 September 1903, Page 2

THE BALKANS.

MR BALFOUR’S OPINIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright

London, Sept. 27. Sir Henry Drummond Wolff, in \ letter to tho Times, says the aims of Austria aud Russia are to secure a paramount iufiuoncc in Macedonia on tho basis of Austria seizing Salonika and annexing to Bulgaria a strip of the coast from Salonika to Cavala Bay, which would become Russia’s placo of arms, enabling her to threaten the eastern Mediterranean and Suez Canal.

Tho Archbishop of Canterbury, in a letter to Mr Balfour, expressed Churchmen’s anxiety regarding tho Macedonians’ suffering. Mr Balfour, in the courso of a sympathetic reply, said that Turkish misgovernmeut and oppression of Christians was not tho only question. Thero were rival sects and nationalities not imbued with Western ideas of humanity, who did not scruple to afflict each other. Tho revolutionary committees deliberately adopted provocative measures in order to create Turkish excesses, and thus enlist tho world’s sympathies. Such measures were no more morally tolorablo than tho Turkish misgovernmont. Ttys best hopo of improving Macedonia was European support to Russian and Austrian reforms. Great Britain had offered suggestions, but it would bo folly to forget that on somo occasions two Powers wore stronger for executive purposes than throe. GREAT BRITAIN SUPPORTS AUSTRIA AND RUSSIA. PRESSING FOR REFORMS.

By Tolegraph—Press Association—Copyrigh Received 9.50 p.m., Sept. 28. Constantinople, Sept. 28.

Valis in Eurepoun Turkey bavo boon ordered te proclaim an amnesty to surrondering Bulgarians, and to tako more stringent moasures with recalcitrants. Britain, liko Russia and Austria, has intimated that noithor Turkey nor Bulgaria will bo supported in the ovont of their opposing, opeuly or socrotly, the realisation of tho Austro-Russian programme of reforms.

Tho British communication to the Bulgarian Government addod : “ Britain is pressing Turkey to apply these roforms more efficaciously, ond consulting othor Powers as to the possibility of introducing othor more suitable measures.

POSITION GROWING WORSE. INTENDED DASH OF TURKISH FORCES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 11.31 p.m,, Sept. 28. Constantinople, Sopt. 28. Turkey lias ordered tho mobilisation of 64 battalions in Adaua, Angora, Kostarnuni, aud Kassarieh districts. One half is proceeding to Salonica within a wook, and tho othor half to Adrianople. London, Sopt.«jß. Reuter’s Agency reports that rumors are current that Bulgaria sent an ultimatum to the Porte. The actual mobilisation at Sofia of a regiment of engineers has made tho position worse. Preparations aro being completed to forestall any sudden movements. Sofia, Sopt. 28. Information received by the Bulgarian War Office foreshadows an intended dash on tho part of tho Turkish mounted forces towards Shipka Pass. Tho Turkish troops on the frontier are tenfold those of Bulgaria. AMERICAN VESSELS TO REMAIN AT BEYROUT. By, Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. Received 12,1 a.m., Sopt. 29. Constantinople, Sept; 28.

Tho American vessels remain at Beyrout. It is feared that’riots wpuld follow their withdrawal. -

Sixteen battalions, including' many Kornia troops, have been distributed in places overlooking tho Struma Valley. London, Sept. 28.

Tho Standard’s Constantinople correspondent learns from Sofia that any additions to the Turkish troops on tho frontier will suffice to cause a war.

The correspondent, in a later message, adds: Two Uavah battalions at Novibazai and four at Presrend have been mobilised and ordered to tho front.