Essad Pasha's Irrevocable Decision

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 47, 31 January 1916, Page 5

Essad Pasha's Irrevocable Decision

CURRENT WAR TOPICS.

The continued and growing occupation of Greek territory by the Allied marines must appear to be very extraordinary to the Greek people, while to the military authorities it must be irritating in the extreme, and it cannot be wondered at that the latest instance in these proceedings was protested against by the Greek com- | mander as he evacuated the place. ' The act of the Allies in occupying a Greek port on the peninsula of Karabura, or, as the map shows, Kara Burun, is part of tne well-organised defence of Salonika. The nam e of the port is not published, but Cape Kuala or Cape Kara, the extremity of the peninsula, juts out into the sea about fifteen miles south westerly of Salonika in the Gulf of Salonika and is less than ten miles distant from the mainland on the opposite side of the Gulf. This is another bold stroke of the Allies, but no doubt their position .on Greece is of the most slippery description, and the end justifies the means.

Latest cables from the Balkans contain great probabilities, not the least of which is the hint to Greece to demobilise in view of approaching developments. Now we see the reason for the hemming in of Greece's movements by the Allies' occupation of various points on the coast, viz., east of Salonika, south in the Gulf of Salonika, of territory at Athens, and of Corfu. The enemy as Avell a s Constantine does not like this a little bit, and we read of the Bulgarian Minister at Berlin saying that he feared the Entente would compel Greece to submit to their behests, but his faith in the power of the Quadruple Alliance, as represented by Germany, Austria, Turkey, and Bulgaria, i.s such that ho believes they are powerful enough to subjugate Greece. Dies lie mean that if Greece agrees to demobilisation they will be able to beat the forces 'of the Allies who will be in possession of the Country?

Albania's affairs appear in a better light to-day, as it is stated that the forces of Italy and the Albanians have effected a junction. Where they met is. not mentioned—generally the most interesting point about the Balkans is left to the imagination for days on end! The leader, Essad Pasha, is fortifying Yalona (or Avlona), a port some 50 miles south of Durazzo, and is also strengthening the defences at other important points, operations which, it is significantly stated, will ibar the enemy's advance. Essad Pasha's irrevocable decision that he is with the Allies until death will be great encouragement to the Italians and the other Allies to do their bit for the plucky Albanians. The danger to jthe country is grave indeed, but while ithere's life there's hope.

Roumania is wrapped In mystery. Not even the Sofia correspondent of the Tageblatt can fathom it, and questions are being asked by the enemy as to where Roumania now stands. No one doubted for a moment that tlio delay in the declaration of her policy was being used to strengthen the defences in men and material, but it will be news to learn to-day that four-fifths of the men in the country fit for service are now under arms. The particular part that hurts the correspondent is the knowledge of the disposition of the Roumanians, the majority be-

ing on the Bulgarian frontier, with others on the Bessarabian frontier, and the bulk of the heavy artillery ready for Bulgaria and Hungary. In view of the fact that the Entente does not conceal the expectation that when the offensive Roumania and 'Greece will be forced to join the Entente, the correspondent says it is the duty of the Central Powers to request an explanation of Roumania's attitude. iWhen our enemies begin toask each other questions and a certain distrust among thm is palpable in the cable news, we may be sure our position might be a good deal worse even if it is not altogether as satisfactory as 'everyone could wish.

The question is often asked: "Which of the Allies have agreed not to sign a separate peace?" As there has been a good deal of misunderstanding on this, it may be well to quote the Declaration and enumerate its signatories who now comprise all the Great Powers fighting on the Entente side. The Declaration, or the Pact of London, as it is sometimes called, dates from September, 1914, and the essential clauses were: "The French, Russian and British Governments mutually engage not to conclude peace separately during the present war. The three Governments agree* that when terms of peace come to be discussed no one oi the Allies will demand conditions of peace without the previous agreement of each of the other Allies." On sth September, 1914, this Declaration was signed by the representaetives of France, Russia, and Great Britain. On 19th October, 1915, Japan, and later, Italy, gave their adhesion. So it is now a Five-Power Pact, cementing the enlarged Entente and assuring its solidarity.