THE BALKANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1915, Page 5

THE BALKANS.

ATTITUDE OF GREECE. FAVORABLE DEVELOPMENTS HOPED FOR. LORD KITCHENER AND THE KING. Received Nov. 22, .5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 21. Diplomatic circles in London await Willi feverish anxiety tlio result, of the conversation between King Constantino and Lord Kitrliener, and in some quarters diplomats are hopeful of favorable developments. They point out that the Greelc public opinion, which at first was deeply impressed bv the reports of German victories, has changed in the last few days, and the friendliness oi the Greeks is evident by the enthusiastic reception given to Lord Kitchener. Sympathy towards the Allies, it is believed, is growing dailj. NO TREATY WITH BULGARIA. The Greek Legation, instructed trom Athens, denies the existence of any Graeeo-Bulgarian agreement, except a technical protocol, dated October 29, and signed 'by the representatives of 'the Graeco-Bulgnrian railways, providing for the purchase in Bulgaria of ten thousand tons of cereals, and that Bulgarian waggons be used for transport. INTERVIEWS KEPT SECRET. NEUTRALITY ONLY WANTED. Received Nov. 22, 8.20 p.m. Paris, Nov. 22. It is commented that Lord Kitchener Had the opportunity to say many things to King Constantine. The artistic arrangements whereby Lord Kitchener was brought into touch with him followed immediately on the paternal gentleness and bonhommie of M. Cochin. Details of the interviews are secret, but it is assumed that the Allies are only asking Greece for the strict fulfilment of her promises of benevolent neutrality, This important question is associated with the concentration of Greek troops at Salonika, where it is estimated that there arc fifteen divisions, and for what feason, unless Greece is prepared to fulfil her treaty obligation to help Serbia? In some degree the mobilisation seems necessary as a minimum proof of the sincerity of her neutrality. A BRIEF VISIT. MORE DETAILS. Received Nov 22, 9.35 p.m. London, Nov. 22. The Times' errespondent at Athens says that the results of Lord Kitchener's visit warrant favorable views of a prospect of settlement. His arrival was quite unexpected. Generals Macmalion and Maxwell accompanied him. His visit was too sudden and brief to admit of a public demonstration, but Lord Kitchener's commanding presence was the 'object of general remark. The Daily Mail's correspondent lit Athens says that Lord Kitchener's conversation with King Constantine was restricted to Balkan warfare in general, but particularly the strategy of the present campaign. His interview with M. Skouloudis related to political questions.

KING'S ASSURANCES. WILL NEVER ATTACK THE ALLIES. Received Nov. 22, 10.55 p.m. Athens, Nov. 22. According to Ministerial journals King Constantine and M. Skouloudis assured Lord Kitchener that Greece will never attack the Allies, and the way is clear to an agreement. The Allied fleets have begun a severe searching of Greek vessels in the Mediterranean. GENERAL POSITION. LORD KITCHENER'S VISIT. Athens, Nov. 21. Lord Kitchener visited M. Skouloudis and conversed for two hours. A large crowd heartily cheered him. A lengthy sitting of the Cabinet followed Lord Kitchener's interview with King Constantine. M. Skouloudis and Lord Kitchener have quitted Athens. GERMANY ANXIOUS. Copenhagen, Nov. 21.. The Frankfurter Zeitung, in an editorial, fears that Lord Kitchener's visit will produce a sudden change in the policy of Greece. VIGOROUS ACTION URGED. liV ENGLISH PRESS. London, No.'. 21. The Sunday Times says that the guarantors of Greece's independence and Greece's constitution are bound to defend both, and it is surely within their legal province to decide on their own method and time. Even if they deem it necessary to suspend or dethrone King Constantine, they have still that legal right in defence of the constitution. The Observer says that King Constantine is virtually governing by a coupd'etat. It may be forgotten that Britain, France, and Russia have rendered such services and favors to Greece as no other nation has received. The protecting Powers lately have had an awakening, and the guarantors will be compelled to ask, in their turn, for uniuistakeable and unbreakable guarantees. Roumania's present policy is untouched by sentiment, and is entirely determined by calculation. The strong-pro-German minority at Bucharest is pressing its ease more vigorously than ever. We must now use every inducement capable of turning tiie seal'.'. There must be a definite undertaking tliat England, France, and Russia wiil jointly employ at least three-quarters of a million men in the Balkans at no distant date. ANOTHER GERMAN STOIiY. Copenhagen, Nov. 21. It is reported in Berlin that M. Skouloudis is indicting several of the followers of M, Venizeloa in Crete of high treason