CRISIS IN THE BALKANS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 242, 6 October 1908, Page 2

CRISIS IN THE BALKANS.

AX UNEXPECTED TURN. TtllC RAUAVASi TROUBLE. LEADING TO OTHER COMPLICATIONS. AUSTRIA AND TIIE BERLIN TREATY. Received 5, 11.25 p.m. London, October 5. Router learns that the British Government have made proposals to Turkey and Bulgaria for the settlement of the Oriental railway question. The I'orte agreed I hut if the railway were temporarily restored to the company Turkey would consent to its transfer fo Bulgaria if the Porte s rigl'ls were safeguarded. Britain urged the signatory Powers to the Berlin Treaty to recommend this solution. It is understood tiio Powers agreed.

Vienna, October 5. The Neuc Free Press asserts that the Emperor Francis Josef will address an autograph letter to the Powers referring tir tile necessity of changing the present relations between Austria, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, but stating that the change contemplated will not ovef step the limits of the Berlin Treaty. The Neue Free I'resse believes it possible to find within the treaty the title of ownership which will convince the occupied provinces that they never will be separated from Austria. BULGARIA TO PROCLAIM H ER | INDEPENDENCE. BREACH OF THE BERLIN TREATY. Received (i, 0.30 a.m. London, October 5. The Times' Paris correspondent states that Bulgaria to-day proclaims its Independence, probably through a national declaration by the Sobranje, alld on Tuesday Austria-Hungary will announce the formal annexation of Bosnia and Jlerzegovina. Commenting on this very serious announcement, the Times severely censures this flagrant breach of the Treaty of Benin, and declares that til* news will be received i n Britain with great regret and greater indignation. THE POSITION OF THE POWERS. RUSSIA AND THhTDARIuIISII^ i Received (>, 0.3(1 a.m. London, October 3.

Later, the Times correspondent telegraphs that Count Khevenhuller, Austrian Ambassador to France, greatly overstated the acquiescence of ihe I'owers, since there is reason to believe that Germany views the proposed breach of the treaty with fundamental aversion, but is not in a position to directv oppose her Austrian ally. Italy id willing to consider Austria's proposa'B, hut stipulates for the restitution <■£ Novibaair, also the revision of certain treaty restrictions imposed on Montenegro. Russia virtually says that since Austria and Bulgaria intend to tear up the treaty provisions which they flnl inconvenient, Russia will also raise questions, including that of the Dardanelles. _ IX TIJK EVENT*OF WAR.' Berlin, October 4. Bulgaria's diplomatic agent at Berlin I states that in the event of war Bulgaria enjoys an advantage over Turkey. His Government expected to obtain great results by pacific means if Turkey shows goodwill.