THE NEAR EAST.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2322, 15 October 1908, Page 3

THE NEAR EAST.

CABLE NEWS

AUSTRIA’S WRONGFUL ACTION

MONTENEGRO PREPARED TO . FIGHT. -United Press Association. Copyright CETTINJE, Oct. 13. Prince Nicholas, in receiving the deputies, said that Austria’s action had inflicted a great wrong. Unless peaceful endeavors to set it right 'wore successful, the Montenegrins would sacrifice their last drop of blood for that purpose. MODIFICATION OF TREATIES. A G ER-M A N -IT ALI AN DECLARATION. United Press Association. Copyright LONDON, Oct. 13. Router’s Constantinople correspondent states that Germany and Italy have declared that the treaties cannot be modified without the assent of all the signatories. MR ASQUITH ON THE SITUATION .MODERATION AD VISED.United Press Association. Copyright LONDON, Oct. 13. Mr. Asquith stated in the House of Commons that the Government regarded events in the Balkans ns necessitating the Powers’ consideration ivitli a view of arriving at a settlement, showing due regard to tho interests of Turkey or any State which the recent changes may have prejudiced. The Government would strive to secure a settlement both peaceful and equitable. The Prime Minister added: “A conference has hot yet been arranged. The Powers are discussing how a settlement can bo attained ami wliat would bo comprised therein. It is hoped those aggrieved will continue to maintain an attitude of moderation and restraint, relying on the general desire to show fair consideration for their interests.” (Cheers.)

Lord Lansdowne, speaking in the House of Lords, warmly endorsed Sir Edward Grey’s cooler speech. The one desire of the Opposit ion was to strengthen tho hands of the Government to assist in maintaining international law and order. Lord Fitzmauriee (Under-Seoretary for the Foreign Office) and the Government should be encouraged by a conference of the united nation. He believed diplomacy would be able to secure tlie maintenance of Turkey’s improved institutions and simultaneously maintaingoodwill and honor of the Balkan States. A NEW DEPARTURE. LONDON PRESS COMMENT. United Press Association. Copyright LONDON, Oct. 13. Seme London newspapers fear that the reference of Mr. Asquith to States claiming to be prejudicially affected involves a dangerously wide opening of the door to compensation, and is practically departure after the Austro-Hungarian declaration that Turkey alone is entitled to compensation. . SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS. A RUSSIAN PROMISE. United Press Association. Copyright (Received Oct. 14, 10.5 p.m.)‘ ST. PETERSBURG, Oct. 14. A Russian note to Servia and Montenegro promises to safeguard their interests. A EUROPEAN CONFERENCE.

FIVE POWERS AGREEABLE

United Press Association. Copyright (Received October 14, 10.5 p.m.) CONSTANTINOPLE, Oct. 14. The ambassadors of the five Powers have informed 'the Porte that they are favorable t<> the principle of a European conference. The Porte intends, to propose U. strictly limited'programme.

ITALY’S ATTITUDE

A DESIRE FOR PEACE

United Press Association. Copyright (Received October 14, 10.13 p.m.) ROAIE, Oct. 14. M. Titton has informed the British Russian, and Austrian ambassadors ithat the moment Britain and Russia issue an invitation for a European conference Italy would unreservedly accept, desiring to solve the various Balkan questions an accordance with the spirit of the treaties without endangering peace.