The Daily News. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1915. THE BALKANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 October 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1915. THE BALKANS.

It is not surprising that Ihe Balkaii situation formed the absorbing topic in London on Tuesday, for events en tin

first importance have happened there within the past few days, especially in tela!ion io Bulgaria, to whom Russia had .sent nn ultimatum. Considerable light is thrown on Bulgaria's attitude by the publication of (he proceedings at the tragic interview which took place on September 1!) hi-t between King Ferdinand and Hie leaders or the Opposition, at which, the King was warned that playing into the hands of the Teutons might cost him his kingdom—and his head. To-day's cables continue the story by disclosing the subsequent proceedings at which the Bulgarian Premier (M. Radoslavoll') took a hand. It is important to note that the communication made by him to his followers and to the Opposition (now for the first lime divulged) contained an enunciation of Bulgaria's policy, together with the very feeble reason why the Entente's proposals could not be accepted. The point that really matters is the announcement that the die was cast and that thenceforth Bulgaria'* lot was irrevocably bound up with Austro-Germany in the invasion of Serbia. In spite of this momentous

decision, Bulgaria has ever since persistently tried to throw dust in tliti eyes of the Entente Powers by proclaiming that her object in mobilising was to maintain neutrality, and strenuously denying a warlike policy. This is on a par with her official denial of the, arrival of German olliccrs, and yet wo learn that the Bulgarian War Ministry have to submit all orders for the approval of Austro-German officers. Such duplicity is as amazing as it is

puerile, and it will only alienate every particle of sympathy for Bulgaria, although a considerable portion of the people are strongly averso to the suicidal policy which will in all probability lead to disastrous results for the country. The Entente Powers have done their utmost to prevent Bulgaria becoming the victim of German machinations, but now that diplomacy has failed it must be left for the sword to do its work. Russia promptly took action by sending an ultimatum to Bulgaria notifying that unless she openly broke with the enemies of Slavdom within twenty-four hours, and dismissed officers belonging to the enemies of the Entente, the Russian Minister would leave the country, and that a hostile act against Servia would be considered as directed against Russia. There was no ambiguity about the terms of this Note, for it clearly implies that a conflict will follow. It is the irony of Fate that such a Note should emanate from Russia, because it is to Russia that Bulgaria owe 3 her existence as a nation, I and there is no fiction in the story that

the action of the Government has alienated a large section of the people, making mobilisation a matter of difficulty. It was Russia that gave Bulgaria a status, that made independence possible, and if the Russian plan had been sanctioned by the Powers with whom Bulgaria is now allying herself the greater Bulgaria, to achieve which the people have fought and suffered during the past thirty years, would have been brought straightway into being. That Britain, and probably France, have not] been inactive in the matter of meeting this new hostile development Is apparent. It is not long since a German wireless message announced that over a hundred thousand Allied troops' were at Mudros, and now these troops (whatever their number may be) have been landed at Salonika on the ground that the Allies have a mission to defend the railway against Bulgaria, and to succour Serbia. Although a formal protest was issued by Greece, the action of the Allies is accepted as a necessity, and wo are informed that complete unanimity exists between Greece and the Allies, it being determined that if Bulgaria attacks Serbia Greece will assist the Allies to deal with their i enemies. This landing of troops has | greatly impressed the Roumanian Government, which is exhibiting considerable military activity on the frontiers. There is as yet no indication of Roumania's policy, but it would seem next to impossible for her to do aught else but join the Allies. It is idle for the German press to scoff at the idea of the Allies landing troops to support Serbia, for it is already an accomplished fact, in addition to which the Russian fleet will give material assistance. Apparently there are no limits to the area of this terrible war, every new development tending to prolong its duration and aggravate its horrors. Russia's opportunity should be brought much nearer by this latest move, which has to be faced and dealt with in grim earnest. It has not taken the Allies by surprise, and may, as we trust it will, prove a factor in the final death blow at the German military octopus.