In the Balkans

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 75, 4 March 1916, Page 5

In the Balkans

RULOARIA'S POSITION, FERDINAND SHAMS BRONCHITIS FEARS OF ASSASSINATION. MORAL VALUE OF VERDUN. [UnITKD PkMm« AHNIID \TiON. ) (Received 9-20 a.m.) Rome, March 3. Roumanian despatches state that King Ferdinand is shamming bronchitis for the purpose of delaying his return to Sofia where he fears assassination. The discontent rn Bulgaria is so strong that Ferdinand lias been advised not to return till a delman victory promises the early termination of the war. it is pointed out that the bronchitis developed consequent on the failure of the attack on Verdun. ITALY AND THE SALONIKA EXPEDITION. INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS. V/ARNINC TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE. "TOO LATE TO SAVE SERBIA." (Received 10.30 a.m.) Rome, .March '.]. Baron S. Sonnino (.Minister of Foreign Affairs), is expected to make a sensational address in the Chamber today justifying Italy's non-participation in the operations at Salonika. It is stated that shortly after Bulgaria mobilised. Count Bosdari, the Italian Minister at Sofia, notified the Government of Bulgaria's intention to join Germany. Italy communicated with England and France, urging the occupation of Salonika in order to save Serbia.

Sir Edward Grey and M. Viviani refused, believing Bulgaria would join the Allies. When France and England discovered their mistake, they at once invited Italy to join in the Salonika expedition, but Italy declined, saying: "Now it is too late to save Serbia!" REINFORCEMENTS AT SALONIKA London, March 2. The Times correspondent at Salonika says that the daily arrival of reinforcements is larger than ever, and all are seasoned troops, while a Serbian army is expected soon.