In the Balkans

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 35, 17 January 1916, Page 5

In the Balkans

THE ALLIES DEFENCES. TROOPS AND AEROPLANES. I b.NUtu Pll.liC'B fi S.-1I l( I n no;. . ■ Alliens, January J 5. ihe Entente will have „oU,UUO in . ivecio.n.i v. t iitin a .oiwnigut, and also fifty aeroplanes. Hume, January 15. II Corriere della Sera’s Salonika correspondent states that the Allies continue to strengthen their line of ease at Salonika. The Allies’ iartiii,cations give an imposing impression, the general opinion is that an enemy attack is not imminent. The two hundred thousand men at Doiran and Jhevgeli include only a small detachment of Germans, but Germany has sent an abundance of guns to two Turkish divisions in the Xanfchi district, which are badly equipped.

MONTENEGRO’S PLIGHT.

i HE IMPORTANCE OF LOVTCHEN

London, January 14. The Times, in a leader, says the fall of Mount'Lovtchen places Montenegro at the mercy of the enemy, and her independent existence is imperilled for the first time in her heroic history, it is not known whether King Nicholas will continue the unequal struggle or make terms. The latter alternative is possible. The failure of the operations in the Adriatic is due to the tardy comprehesnion by the Allies of the strategic importance of the Balkans. One wonders tiiat Italy allowed the important Lovtchen loss with no efforts to support Montenegro. Nevertheless the misfortune is nqt the occasion for recrimination, but to spur up the Allies to speedily redress it. A SURPRISE TO ITALY. AUSTRIANS' THREATEN ALBANIAN CAPITAL. Rome. January 15.

The overwhelming of Montenegro came, apparently as a surprise to the Italian public. Though no explanation has been given why Italy did not lilt a hand to save Mount Lovtchen, it is understood that Austria recently offered to give Montenegro Scutari if she gave up Lovtchen. " The Austrians have already sent to Cattaro two dreadnoughts and four large submarines, which were received in sections from Germany and put together at Pol a. These are manned by German officers and Austrian crews, and are intended to operate against Duraz/.0. ITALO-MONTEN EGRIN CONFERENCE. Paris, January 15. Le Petit Journal's Home correspondent says that King Victor has suddenly returned in order to confer with Prince Danilo, with a view of Italy aiding Montenegro and Serbia. THE FALL OF CETTINCE. London, January 16. The High Commissioner reports on the 16th that the Austrians claim to have captured Cettinge. NO SEPARATE PEACE. “IVIONTE" WILL SEE IT "4 H ROUGH {deceived 8.5 a.m.) Home, January 15. the Tribuna has oeen uuiuonsea tu make tile statement mat Montenegro win not maiie a separate peace.

WOT ITALY’b fAULT

DIFFICULTIES OF TfiANSPO.iI. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ALLIES (Received 8.5 a.m.) Koine, January 15. Baron Barzili, Minister of State, m a speech on Italy’s responsibility for me iall of Lovtcnen, said tile importance of the event was exaggerated because it was impossible to bring heavv guns to tne summit owing to the lack ol roads, it was due, as was the temporary sealing of Montenegio s late, to the Allies’ failure to settle the common u/d tar-seeing programme m the Balkans. One of the Allied Ministers said he recognised that Italy was not the most responsible for that failure. Closer co-ordination was essential to prevent further paralysis ol the Allies’ incontestable superiority m men and their economic and financial resources in arms and ships. Happily, 'there was now every indication ol in-mat progress being made, due to the I conception of a single front in a single 'war with a common aim.

german domination,

SPECIAL DIPLOMATIC MISSION. MINISTER’S DEPARTURE FROM BUCHAREST. (Received 5.5 a.in.) Milan, January 15. Seccolo’s Bucharest’ correspondent slates that Germany is sending the Duke of Mecklenburg on a special mission to assume direction of all the Balkan Legations. The German Minister left last week and will not return. AERIAL BOMBARDMENTS. The High Commissioner reports:— London, January Id (12.33 a.m.) In tlie Balkans, fourteen enemy aeroplanes bombed Janos and Boganiai killing one Crook soldier.