Peace far Off

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 190, 31 December 1912, Page 5

Peace far Off

BALKAN STATES AND TURKEY. TURKEY WILL NOT CEDE TERRITORY. By Cable—Prese Association —Copyright. Received December 30, 10 p.m. Constantinople, December *29. It is semi-officially stated that Tur-key-will n<)fc consent to the cession of Adrianople under any circumstances. London, December 30. The Allies declined to criticise the Turkish proposals because they assume Macedonian reforms are still sought, whereas the destinies of the Macedonians have passed out of Ottoman hands. ' A territorial lease is the only one whereon negotiations can proceed. Bewkid Pafiha, the Turkish delegate, reminded the conference thai the Allies undertook the war to compel the Porte to grant reforms which it was now willing to concede, and that the League had spontaneously and emphatically disclaimed any territorial aggrandisement. Berlin, December 30.

In Vienna official quarters there is an optimistic feeling regarding the outcome of the conference. Reuter's correspondent states that the Turks have felt justified in submitting excessive counter proposals because the Allies presented terms beyond what was expected. The retention of Adrianople end Thrace are indispensable to Constantinople's security. Likewise their retention is necessary if Turkey is to remain a State. The Turks appear hopeful that the resumption of hostilities will secure better terms for them.

TURKS IGNORE WAR. ALLIES BECOMING RESTIVE. London, December 20. Reuter says that yesterday's meeting of the Balkan delegates weakened the feeling in regard to Turkey's sincerity for peace There is an increased feeling that she Ls seeking to gain time. The Allies hint that unless Monday's meeting produces more reasonable proposals they will take decisive steps.

The Turkish delegates refused a definite answer as to Whether the counter proposals were their last word. All reports of yesterday's conference show that the Turks ignore the result of the war and the territory now in the Allies' occupation.