THE BALKAN WAR

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 85, 5 December 1912, Page 5

THE BALKAN WAR

AN ARMISTICE SIGNED

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(United Press Association.)

London, December 4

It is expected that peace negotiations will he conducted in London in a week’s lime. It is openly stated that (lie armistice will he signed, if necessary, without Greece,‘ who will continue the war alone if they so desire. At a conference at Chataidja the armistice was signed last night, Greece refraining. GREECE AND BULGARIA. London, December 4. The ‘Daily Telegraph’s’ Salonika correspondent’s censored message shows that the Greeks have much diificultv in keeping order in the city, without causing a rupture with the Bulgarians. There have been numerous cases of friction. Vienna, December 4. It is reported that three thousand Greeks attempted to enter Sirres, but the Bulgarians repelled them, killing 250.

ALBAXI A’S INDEPENDENCE. London, December 4. The Albanians at Janina contemplate proclaiming their independence. RUSSIA’S ATTITUDE. (Received 8.0 a.m.) ~ Vienna, December 4. The ‘None Erode Presse’ states that Russia would not recognise Albanian independence, and would only agree to an autonomous province under international guarantee. Both Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg s and Herr von Kiderlin-Waechter’s speeches created excellent impression. The newspapers hope that Britain will continue her efforts in Paris and St. Petersburg to secure a peaceful settlement. St. Petersburg, December 4. The ‘Novoe Vreraya’ states that three Russian banks advanced Bulgaria a million sterling. Cettinje, December 4. The Turks made a sortie and violently attacked the Montenegrin positions, but were repulsed with many dead. Sofia, December 4.

The wounded at Chataidja are coming to Kirk Kilisse in great numbers. The British Red Cross .is doing excellent work, although the resources are overtaxed. . ... There are indications of injuries through dum-dum bullets.

MOHAMMEDAN SANCTUARY

Constantinople, December 4

The Sultan telegraphed to King Ferdinand stating that though prompter, by most peaceful motives ho was unable to renounce Adrianople, which ah Turks consider; the Mohammedan sanctuary. (Received 9.15 a.m.) London, December 4. Sofia, December 4. The armistice allows the belligerents to remain in their present pc si tions but does not allow the beseiged fortress to be revictualled; it allow l the Bulgarian forces to be revictuaikc , ia the Black Sea. A PITCHED BATTLE. GROUND STREWN WTjH CORPSES (Received 9.55 a.m.) Cettiuje, December 4. A sortie on the left flank early on Monday gradually into a pitched battle lasting twenty-e.giu nours, in spite of torrential rain when tiie Turks left their entrenched cover.

The Montenegrins held their fire; then, with rilles and artillery on both sides, theye were engaged throughout tne night and the ground was strewn with corpses.

Shells did great damage to the town, lire breaking out at several points ana throwing the populace into a panic. The Montenegrins’ losses were small. PEACE NECOTIATTONS. Sofia, December 4. Peace negotiations will be opened in London on the 13th. Constantinople, December 4. The Peace Conference at London k viewed with some misgivings. On the other hand the Turks are stiL speculating regarding dissensions among the Powers and above all disputing the Balkan League leading. Tile Turks show extraordinary buoyancy owing to -successful resistance at Chataldja. Vienna, December 4. The Non Free Press states that Russia, France, and England urged Bui garia to conclude a separate peace, failing the concurrence of Greece and thus localise Epirus. London, December 4. It is expected that Greece will eventually sign the armistice. Anyhow, she will participate in the London,negotiations on the 30th inst. GERMANY WON’T FIGHT.

SHE IS TOO POOR

“Germany is almost on the verge of a financial panic, and thus is too poor for war,” said Herr George Graichen, t.f Leipzig, Germany, to a Vancouver ‘World’ reporter the other day. “Were it not for the commercial relations wo ha've with other nations,” continued Mr. Graichen, “wo would bo precipitated into a fearful condition owing to the excessive burden of taxation under which we are labouring.” Mr. Graichen is a member of the firm of Oestereich and Co., of Berlin, who are the largest importers of wool in the German Empire - . He is coming to Australia on a mission which includes the purchase of as much wool as possible. The visitor pointed oVit the fact that the taxes for armaments and other things had increased at least 40 per cent, during the past year.

“This cannot go on,” he continued, “and the utopia arc becoming more dissatisfied every day. Socialists are gaining the upuor hand fast, and ody as the result of the'action of the Government in their craze for more battleships.” The cost of living, according to the visitor, has been raised because of the law against the importation of American frozen meats and other foreign products. The conditions are outrageous, and meat is almost beyond the reach of the middle classes.

“Peace between Germany and England must he maintained,’ said Mr.

Graichcn. “We simply cannot afford to go to war, because we are too allied with mutual trade interests. It is ridiculous to suppose or to assert that the two countries can war with one another. The race for war equipment is a foolish one, and one which will inevitably have a bad effect upon the masses oi the people.”