THE BALKAN TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 186, 24 December 1912, Page 5

THE BALKAN TROUBLE.

THE POSITION IMPROVED. A FRENCH VIEW. By Cab)! Prpso Association—Copyright. Paris, December 22. M. Poiutare, speaking in the Chamber, foreshadowed Albanian autonomy under the Sultan's suzerainty and European control, with a free neutral port for Scrvia and means of railway communication, likewise under European control. An official communique issued emphasises the marked improvement in the international situation. Austria, which had hitherto maintained an attitude of reserve, has decided to come into lino with all the other Powers, and to urge prudence and moderation with Turkey. The communique concludes by saying that the prospect of peace has made great stride's in the last forty-eight hours. M. Poincare, speaking alternately in • the Chamber and Senate, said he hoped for an airly settlement of the Balkan trouble, hut if war resulted, France would offer mediation. He anticipated that peace, when signed, would rest on a solid basis. The Balkan allies rose ill the name of justice and liberty, bespeaking France's goodwill in judging • their work, while Turkey would retain a. considerable part of her Empire, enabling the Turks to continue in fruitful relations with France. THE PROCHASKA INCIDENT. Vienna, December 22. •M. Pasics spontaneously expressed to the Austro-Hungarian Minister his regret at the blunders of individual military officers in the Prochaska incident, which is now satisfactorily closed.

BULGARIA OBDURATE. v London, December 22. The newspaper Observer declares that . the Bulgarians are obdurate. They will declare war preferably to acceding to the request concerning the revictualling of Adrianople. PRAISE FOR SIR E. GREY. ♦ Berlin, December 22. The newspapers are gratified at the results of Sir Edward Grey's initiative .»t the peace meetings in London. TRIBUTE TO MR. GLADSTONE. London, December 22. ' The Balkan delegates have decided to place a wreath on Mr. W. E. Glad- : stone's, monument in gratitude for a great and faithful friend. JIEPULSE OF THE GREEKS. Constantinople, December 22. The Vali of Panina reports that the Greeks were repulsed after a five davs' battle. TffiED OF PROCRASTINATION. Belgrade, December 22. The newspapers state that the Tnrks • are making excuses at the Peace Conference to gain time, and urge the -allied forces to demand peace or im- . mediately to resume hostilities. ADDRESS TO PRINCE NICHOLAS. Athens, December 22. The Moslems at Fiorina have presented a loyal address io Prince Nicholas, military governor of Salonika district/on the occasion of his name dav.

A TURKISH SORTIE. TROUBLE IN THE DARDANELLES. -(Received Dec. 24, 12.30 a.m.) Athens, December 23. The Turkish squadron sortied from the Dardanelles with torpedo boats at full speed and fired twenty shells. The inhabitants attempted to welcome the fleet. The Greek garrison fired, killing three and wounding twelve civilians. The squadron then re-entered the Dardanelles. Admiral Coundouriotti's •quadron at Lemnos pursued the Turkish ships without result. THE PEACE CONFERENCE. Constantinople, December 23. The Porte has cabled fresh instructions to London. It is believed that it invokes the Powers' good offices to promote an agreement. FIGHTING AT JANINA. Constantinople, December 23. There has been severe fighting in the ticinity of Janina. The Turkish right was driven in. General Djavid Postra was killed. Reinforcements enabled the Turks to drive off the Greeks. The casualties on both sides were heavy. A TURKISH DEFEAT. (Received Dec. 23. 11.-25 p.m.) Athens. December 23. The Turks made several sorties from Skutari and burned two adjoining villages. The Servians repelled them, inflicting heavy loss.