THE BALKANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1915, Page 5

THE BALKANS.

THE CAMPAIGN IN SERBIA. ITALY WILL HELP. IMPORTANT OFFICIAL STATEMENT. Home, Dee. 2. A crowded and expectant Chamber received with loud applause Baron Sonnino's important statement on the position of the Entente's negotiations with Greece and Italy's own relations with Serbia, which have hitherto been shrouded in mystery. Baron Sonnino said that Greece's attitude at one time gave rise to anxiety, but the situation had rapidly cleared up and Greece had given the required assurances. There >vas every reason to believe a satisfactory settlement had been readier! regarding the safety and freedom of movements of the Allies in Macedonia. The presence of the Italian flag on the other side of the Ariatic would constitute a reaffirmation of ■ Italy's traditional policy, including the maintenance of Albanian independence and the strategical defence of the Adriatic. Another pivot in Italy's policy was that Italy had signed an agreement not to conclude a separate peace. Serbia's independence was of the greatest importance to Italy. Her absorption by Austria would constitute ''a great (langer to Italy. Italy could not remain deaf to Serbia's appeal, and would speedily do everything possible to assist the Serbian army. In agreement with the Allies, Italy had laid down the complete restoration of Serbian independence as an indispensable condition to the termination of the war. (Great cheering and cries of "Viva Serbia!")

Baron Sonnino states that Greece has given the Allies the required assurances, and Italy will speedily assist Serbia.

AWAITING THE HOUR OP VENGEANCE. Received Dec. 3, 8.5 p.m. Rome, Dec. 2. Signor Sonnino, continuing, Said that the heartrending appeal coming across the Adriatic could not be resisted. Italy, with the aid of the Allies, would ensure the revietualling and ammunitioning of the Serbians, and facilitate concentration while awaiting the hour of vengeance. The Italian arms, with tenacity, self-sacrifice and dash were carrying out the re-conquest of the natural frontier. The oath of Italy for a jealous guardianship of her vital interests in the Mediterranean was also important, and the several months she had already spent in the war showed how necessary it was to make public testimony of'the solidarity of the Allies. Formal signature to Italy's adhesion had been given in London.

OPTIMISM ABOUT GREECE. The attitude of Greece had momentarily created a certain tension, but the situation had been quickly cleared by the exchange of Notes, and Greece had now consented to give the required assurances harmonising with her preceding declaration of a benevolent neutrality. Thus there was every reason for the hope that henceforth of all" suspicion and distrust being allayed, and the mo9t cordial relations being, resumed with Greece. It would consequently be easy to settle the questions and guarantees regarding the movement of the Allied troops at Salonika, and the safety of lines of communication and railway, and the transport of our supplies.

POSITION AT MONASTIR. NOT YET OCCUPIED. . PLIGHT OP THE WOUNDED. Received Deo. 3, 5.5 p.m. London, Dee. 2. There are conflicting reports as to the position at Monastir. Latest Athens advices state that although the Serbians have evacuated the town the Bulgarians have not yet occupied it. Messages from Salonika state that four thousand recruits who were sent to join General Vossich, arrived in a state of exhaustion, after marching for sixteen days on only half a loaf apiece a day. Eight thousand dying people were removed from Monastir hospital, and four hundred were placed in ox waggons and sent to Ochrida, no doctor accompanying them, although the journey occupied three days and three nights.

BULCARS POSSESS ALL ROADS. NEW ARMY BEING FORMED. Received Dec. 3, 10 p.m( Paris, Dec. 3. Le Temps says that the Bulgarians have crossed the Upper Teherna and taken possession of all the bridges and roads leading to Monastir. The Bulgarians are a new army in the Struma valley. A communique reports that the Serbians were still occupying Monastir on December 1.

POSITION IN GREECE. M. COCHIN OPTIMISTIC. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, Dec. 2. At Messina, Mr. Jeffries interviewed M. Cochin, who said lie had an enthusiastic reception in Greece and received the impression that the bulk of the people was heartily pro-Ally. He passed through a crowd of twenty thousand, who shouted, "Long live the Allies, especially France, .and down with the Bosches." "The King," said M. Cochin, "was most cordial to me. My belief is that he is not pro-German, hut that his greatest desire is neutrality. He assured me that he was satisfied and impressed by his interview with Lord Kitchener." Regarding the second Note, M. Cochin said diplomatic action was .no longer imperative, because the Greek Government lia<l already accepted the principle of the non-application of the strict 'Hague conditions of neutrality. The second Note merely discussed details of the apjs«#ti#|i of the griaoiQlg.

ON THE DANUBE.

RUSSIAN BOATS PATROLLING. Received Dec. 3, 8.5 p.m. Rome, Dec. 3. II Corriorc della Sera's Bucharest correspondent states that Russian boats are cruising day and night on the Danube shore of Bessarabia. A Zeppelin has arrived at Rustehuk, and the AustroGermans have tnken inUmidatory nu*asures on the Bulgarian bank . Austrian monitors have withdrawn to Orsova, fearing that they should be frozen in.