THE BALKAN SITUATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 309, 28 December 1908, Page 2

THE BALKAN SITUATION.

KUSSIAX MINISTER UKUI'LAIIISES THE POWERS. FEARS (.IF A IUSINU St. Petersburg, December 24. M. Isvolsky, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, lias sent a weighty circular Xote to the Powers in refer encc to tlie Balkan situation. He emphasises the grave dangers of the unilateral action taken by Austria uml Bulgaria, and declares that a preliminary exchange of views among the Powers, as proposed by Austria, constilutos an introduction to a conference, and the final decision must rest with such conference.

M. isvoJsky says article 25 of the Trcsity of Berlin eu.mot he simply abolished—another article must lie substituted to define the situation in regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina. London, December 24. The Vienna correspondent of The Times, referring to M. Isvolsky's Note, says it is difficult to see how AustriaHungary can evade this cogent argument, however unpalatable it may be to submit to article 25 of the Treaty being overhauled by a conference. The Daily Maif's correspondent at Mostar (Bosnia) says there is great danger of Herzegovina rising unless the proposed conference grants her autonomy. Vienna, December 24. It is semi-oflicially hinted at Vienna that Austria will never compensate Turkey pecuniarily. This is interpreted to mean that Baron Aehrenthal, the Austrian Foreign Minister, fears the dual Parliament 'would :iot consent to the payment of compensation. Every railway bridge, culvert, and mountain pass in Bosnia and Herzegovnia is guarded by Austrian troops us a rising is feared.

OFFERS INADEQUATE. Constantinople, December 25. , Turkey complains that in her latest proposal Austria appends conditions to offers previously submitted unconditionally, in the ateence of provision for 1 pecuniary compensation, Austria's! terms are considered inadequate. Vienna, December 25. The Marquis Pallavichii, Austrian Ambassador to Turkey, has eonimuni- ! cated with the Austrian Ministry ask- ' ing for further instructions.

GERMANY COO UNO DOWN. London, December 25. The Berlin correspondent of The Times says there are indications that, leat injury befall German interests at Constantinople, Baron Aelircnthal's irrcconciliablc attitude, if'protracted, will cause Prince Buelow's support to sink to "Italian luke-warmness." The Telegraph's Vienna correspondent says Austria (irmly refuses to pay indemnity, lest such concession might lead Turkey to impose on Bulgaria an unbearable financial burden.

SCOPE OF THE CONFERENCE. RUSSIA ASSISTING- SERVIA. Received 2(1, 0.30 a.m. London, December 25. According to Reuter's Constantinople correspondent, 11. Isvolsky's note declared that Austria had finally accepted the Russian view, namely, liberty of discussion at the conference. The Daily Mail states that 5000 Russian horses liave arrived at Belgrade.

AUSTRIA DISAPPOINTED WITH RUSSIA'S ATTITUDE. Received 20, 0.30 a.m. Vienna, December 25. The publication in the Russian newspapers of a summary of JI. Isvolsky's Note at this juncture is regarded at Vienna as unfriendly, and the Note ns calculated to destroy the chances of the conference. It is considered that Austria alone is entitled to decide the question of autonomy. 1 The prospect of delays lias caused dis--1 appointment at Bcrliu. RUSSIA'S ATTITUDE CLEARLY DEFINED. RESPECT FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW. i Received 27, 4.15 p.m. St. Petersburg, December 20. JI. Isvolsky, in the course of a powi erful speech in the Douma, commented on the great results of the Anglo-Rus-sian agreement. He vigorously criticised. Austria's policy, and affirmed Russia's views on the Balkans were in accord with the views of all with whom international law is a living entity. . He strongly warned Servia and Montenegro against any rashness, and replying to the criticism of (hose declaring that Russia's policy ought to be a simple protest against the annexation, admitted, apparently regretfully, that Russia was handicapped by certain secret engagements with Austria between 1870 and 1878, so that she was unable to protest alone against flic annexation which concerned the signatories collectively. Russia needed peace and time to recuperate, and aimed at a peaceful solution of the Balkans trouble by legal means. Amid the cheers of the majority, M. Isvolsky advocated a moral political union of the Balkan Slav States. Russia's aim was to combine them with Turkey in a common and ideal defence of their national and economic development. A vote of confidence was passed. EUROPEAN PRESS VIEWS. Received 2(i, 4.30 p.m. Vienna, December 26. Austrian newspapers profess indignation at Russia's attitude, and accuse her of imperilling peace. German newspapers declare that Russia, is delaying the conference and advancing demands which Austria is unable to accept. Paris, December 20. The French Press denounce Baron Aebrenthar.s cynicism, and declare that France expects the violators of the Treaty of Berlin to compensate the sufferers. Vienna. December 2(1. The newspapers attach importance to Count Jlensdorfl', Austrian Ambassador at London, bringing the Emperor Josef jfl verbal message from King Edward. It is believed he recommends Austria to I avrange with Turkey.