In the Balkans

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 24, 27 September 1915, Page 5

In the Balkans

WHAT DO THEY MEAN? THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS, Unhid Pbksi Association. London, September 25. Router learns from diplomatic quarters in London that in the continued absence of definite news regarding Bulgaria's policy great uncertainty still exists as to the meaning'of the latest developments in the Balkans. The rapidity of the events occasions much surprise, although it is ed that the Greek mobilisation is merely a corollary, to the Bulgarian action. Moreover, it is pointed that there is no anti-British feeling in Bulgaria, where Britain's single-mind-ed conciliatory policy in the Balkans is fully recognised. The Times' Sofia correspondent says that responsible quarters hold that Bulgaria's mobilisation must not be regarded as an indication that Bulgaria's intentions are warlike. It is necessary for Bulgaria to take precautions with a view to the near approach of the war theatre. Her negotiations with the Entente will proceed as before. BULGARIA'S FIGHTING - STRENCTH. London, September 24. Colonel Repington estimates Bulgaria's fighting strength at 250,000 rifles, 6000 sabres, and 72 guns, to which reserves and Macedonian bands will provide a further 100,000. . CREEK MOBILISATION. SCENES OF GREAT ENTHUSIASM. Athens, September 26. The reservists are coming up en masse, and there are scenes of the greatest enthusiasm. Many thousands are already uniformed,, and it is expected that the majority will have joiried the colors on Monday. King Constantino and M. Venizelos have agreed to the necessary steps to meet the Balkans' situation, including the maintenance of Greece's treaty obligations with Serbia. A decree has been promulgated conyoking the Chamber for Wednesday * to : pass martial law,. and. .give the Government control 1 of the railways, and I prohibit the transport of mercjianjdiije..,.».'. TJie... National.. -Bank-- of > Greece will deposit fourteen million ' ThMoUiy&n' annoiiricein'e'nV Was" eyetywhere, J been received ( j enthu^i- ' asii(jally.' ! A ! ll' Greek steamer's have 1 btjenj <^eg_u l isi'tiio?ied,s ( n '.' ii ■ L,:• M i

»w nr»E-* T r j A 1 UNITED PEOPLE. London, September 25. The Daily Chronicle's Athens correspondent, telegraphing on Thursday, says that the city is full of excitement, various rumors -. lincr.easing 4;he popular,, irtterept-inl. developments, thouchbnoiiouare expected o£ momentous of the t .newspapers which-! were' iciranlated- in the., iim^hed^ ; an; ithesfloir&i npon];'.confirmed' Bulgaria-'sjactiomiiin practically, niobilisingrher) entire ;riian-» .hood| hi] >t|t 'to rr:<.-,\ }:v:>/< ,''.o >• When the! serioiisness of the> mews' was I realised the .excitement grew .to feveri-heat', and the populace crowded the, cafes at mid-day.* j > ' ■ . if. ; Venizelos Immediately i summoned Cabinet, who decided that it was rieccessary for Greece to take similar action. In the afternoon M. Venizelos motored - to the Palace and informed the King who expressed complete agreement. The Minister of War, in full uniform, also visited the King, and his passage through the streets gave the crowds the first impression of the imminence of mobilisation. Crowds gathered at the Foreign Office and cheered. The 1912 class and three others are already under arms, and with twenty classes now inobilising the total is three hundred' thousand. Greece does not desire .war and will not be an .aggressor, but if Bulgarian ambitions force a war the Greeks will fight with a valor and determination unsurpassed in history. There is a feeling of relief \ that something definite has been arrived at after such long uncertainty. The King, Cabinet, and people are fully united, and are aware of the tremendous issue. "It is reliably reported that Germany forced Bulgaria's hand. BRITISH MINISTER CHEERED. r Athens, September 26. An immense crowd frantically cheered the British Minister as lie was proceeding to visit M. Venizelos when the -new decree of King Constantine was made known. GERMANY ASTONISHED. Amsterdam, September 25. The mobilisation of the Greek army has produced profound astonishment in Germany where it is feared the move may neutralise and prevent a Bulgarian attack upon Serbia. Bitterness is expressed against Roumania. The Cologne Gazette says: "Roumania is played out and her

role- as a link between . Austria and Turkey is ended. 'We )! Wll ' pass through Sofia and that will teach Roumania not to side with' our foes." BULGARIA'S ARMED NEUTRALITY. Sofia, September 26. Semi-official: Bulgaria's mobilisation was due to the iebent changes in the political and military situation. Bulgaria has lirftf t|e slightest aggressive intention, biit is firmly 1 resolved to defend, fully armed, her rights of independence, following the example of Holland and Switzerland at the outset of the war. Bulgaria is obliged in view of her neighbor's movements of troops and the danger threatening . her from an AustroGrerma'n offensive against Serbia, to proclaim an armed neutrality, while continuing pourparlers with representatives of the two belligerent groups.