Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1916. SITUATION IN THE BALKANS.

Nelson Evening Mail, 26 September 1916, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1916. SITUATION IN THE BALKANS.

IX' following the Balkan, operations it is necessary to "keep the various areas in which fighting js taking place- clearly in mind. In the north there are two Roumanian armies invading Transylvania. At one point the .Roumanians- have penetrated to a depth of about 30 miles in enemy country. This advance indicates that no real concern is felt in .Bucharest for the Bulgar-German offensive in the Dobrudja. Secondly, to the west and south another Roumanian army is striking along and across the iDanube at the comparatively narrow neck of territory which the enemy must hold if Germany is to maintain communication with- Bulgaria and Turkey, and; at the 'railway along which -this communication is maintained. Thirdly, Franco-Servo-Russo-TBritish forces are pushing up against the Bulgarians in .Macedonia. All these movements are directed against the enemy, and on the face of it 'Bulgaria, should 'be hai"d put to it to maintain her territory intact. But. fourthly, there has been a big Bulgar.German army invading the Bcbrudja. Fortunately, latest cafoles indicate that this thrust has run its course, and it would seem that if the Allies are in earnest in the various movements the Bulgar-German effort in the JDohrudja must soon bring disaster to Mackensen and his men. 'But so far there is no certainty that the Allies will be able to cut his coniimunioations, at any rate, .before a retirement is made or something else turns up. The Germans -will rise all means at their command: to prevent the Allies wediging off Turkey from Germany, and the .Do'brudja- offensive was doivbtJess undertaken for this reason. First, tlie Germans may have hoped, it lias been stated, that by drawing down considerable Russian forces this offensive mig|ht weaken Brusiloff's advance, and perhaps also that of the Russians in Armenia. Next,'it might hamstring tlie Kcnmanian advance in Transylvania. Thirdly, it might reduce the pressure on the Bulgarians in Macedonia. And, fourthly., it might help to stiffen 'Con stantine's -backbone and keep Greece from following Rouimania's example. Falkenhayn, it was reported, was in favour of withdrawing from the (Bnvkians, font his successor believes Germany still has the power to hold on. He. is certainly taking risks for big game.