MACEDONIAN CAMPAIGN.

Taihape Daily Times, 5 October 1918, Page 5

MACEDONIAN CAMPAIGN.

AUSTRIAN ADMISSION OF GRAV. ITY OF SITUATION. AMSTERDAM, Oct 3. Reports from Vienna state that when the Reichsrath re-opened, the Premier, Count Hussarek, said that the situation resulting from the Bulgarian armistice was grave, but not critical. Military measures taken in conjunction with Germany permitted calm contemplation of developments in the Balkans.

He regretted that it was not yet possible to foresee the end of the war, but Austria-Hungary had not relaxed her efforts'to secure a just understanding between the belligerents, with a view to the restoration of civilisation for the future which humanity yearned, and to safeguard the existence of all peoples. This could not assuredly be expected of the sword. Hussarek referred to the necessity for the establishment of a League of Nations.' Austria-Hungary was always ready for an act of reconciliation and justice, and would prepare the way for a future settlement.

One of the most important problems was Poland, to whose self-deter-mination would be left the settlement of her final constitution. It could not be take amiss, however, if Austria sympathised with the strong currents in Poland desirous of independence in the shape of close union with Austria. Moreover, Bosnia and Herzegovina would be remodelled according to the* legitimate wishes of their populations, j Austria did not intend to abandon her right to these countries, and would take measures to safeguard Austrian interests, including the incorporation of Croatia and Slavonia in Dalmatia. Hussarek concluded by declaring that the Government would carefully prepare for the great work of guaranteeing the self-determination of all races in Austria in a spirit of complete equality. '■ -'■'■:■

The. speech was interrupted by the ''Czechs, 1 and ended -in uproar. GERMAN BATTALIONS REPORTED •| '.:) IN SOFIA. LONDON, Oct 3. The German version of events in Bulgaria comprises a statement by the "Cologne Gazette" that fighting is proceeding south of Sofia, and adds that the streets of Sofia already resound with the march of German battalions. The "Times" Hague correspondent states that it Is reported that General cabled to headquarters that he could safely leave Rumania, which was technically incapacitated for further participation in the war. Assurances are widely circulated in Germany that Turkey will hold fast. Austrian and German troops are holding the Orient railway on the frontier, and the guards have been "doubled. The authorities have taken the most rigid: measures to suppress threatened disorders. *

AUSTRIANS WITHDRAW FROM ALBANIA AN AUSTRIAN ADMISSION Received 845 a.m. LONDON, October 4. Austrian official ocmmunique: We have withdrawn our divisions from Albania owing to events on the Bulgarian front; thus Berat fell into the enemy's hands uncontested. ITALIAN ADVANCE IN ALBANIA. AUSTBIANS RETREATING Received 9.10 a.m. LONDON Oct. 4. Italian official from Albania: We began on October Ist an energetic advance between the sea and Osum and occupier Fieri liine of Semicri front from Sterbasi to Metalibridge, also the heights between Janjca, Buvalica and Zitom. On the left of Osum Ave arc approaching Berat. The retreating enemy is setting fire to depots. We captured prisoners and much material. ITALIANS .PURSUE .AUSTRIANS BERAT OCCUPIED. Received 9.10 a.m. LONDON October 4. An Italian semi-official message states that the Italian right -wing continuing its advance,, is astride Osum and occupied and passed beyond Berat and continues to pursue the Austrian*:.