STILL UNSETTLED.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 97, 1 May 1913, Page 5

STILL UNSETTLED.

MONTENEGRO’S OBSTSNACY THE EXCHANGE OF SCUTARI. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] London, April 30. The Telegraph’s Vienna correspondent states that Baron Giesl, at Ccttinje, demanded, on behalf of Aus-tria-Hungary, the immediate and unconditional evacuation of Scutari. King Nicholas peremptorily declined. With a view to preventing unnecessary delay, the Powers are arranging for the preparation of a basis of peace for the approval of the belligerents.

Monday’s conference showed that a majority of the Powers are not prepared to adopt warlike measures against Montenegro, although they are apparently prepared to consent to the occupation of some coast town in the event of continued recalcitrancy. Some diplomatists, interviewed in London, suggest that Essad Pasha, with a more or less organised following, enjoys the prestige of the gallant defence of Scutari. These influences are missing in the case of a foreign prince or others outside ; ,the nominee. Therefore, it is hinted' that it lie is allowed to govern, Albania Essad should be willing, in exchange for Scutari, to make concessions satisfying Montenegro. Vienna, April 30. The Allgemeine Zeitung says that the Ambassadors on Thursday decided which, if any, of the Powers should participate in Austria’s possible coercive action, in the event of King Nicholas refusing to yield unconditionally.-

“FRIGHTENING THE POWERS.” PRESS CRITICISM. Austria’s announcement that she ir : acting independently was made to the Vienna editors and foreign correspondents, and not to any Cabinet. There is a heavy momentary decline on the stock exchange. The Daily Mail, in a leading article headed, “Attempt to Frighten the Powers,” says that Austria’s vague menaces are not likely to overcome the objections of King Nicholas to forcible ejection. . ,

The Morning Post says that diplomatists doubt whether it will suit Austria to engage in a costly war, arousing Russia. It contends that there are otheii means rif coercion, including Montenegro’s pressing need for money.

British Government circles arb hope-’ ful of a settlement. The Times says that as the Power? are unanimous regarding tiie suh stance', ' namely, being determined that Europe’s will must prevail, and are divided only regarding procedure, it is impossible to conceive that Austria will be so. .incredibly 1 ihish as tr. take immediate single-handed action. The Chronicle’s Vienna correspondent says that’ Prince Danilo handed Essad Pasha a telegram from the Turco-Albanian Committee at Constantinople urging Essad Pasha and Djavid Pasha to save Albania and overthrow Kemal Pasha’s provisional Government at Valona. Essad Pasha concluded a compact with King Nicholas, providing for tin Sultan’s sovereignty in Albania, which \ ill join the Balkan League, Montenegro to have Scutari and San Gio vnnni. King Nicholas supplied Essad with ammunition and provisions, and released and armed five thousand Turkish prisoners. it is stated that Russia patronised the scheme. AUSTRIA WILL AWAIT A! REPLY. Cetinje, April 29. The Government has postponed a final reply to the Powers until after the Greek Easter.