THE BALKANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1916, Page 5

THE BALKANS.

GREECE IN A QUANDARY. GREAT ANXIETY FELT. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London. January 21. Mr. JeflVri.es- says there have been great changes at Alliens during the last few days, and there is anxious expectation from the King downwards. King Constaontine's position ia unenviable. He feels that. Germany is losing, and lie occasionally regrets not having joined us; then he suddenly widens the breach in order to persuade himself that it was always impossible to do so. The tierman attitude as greatly changed, and is alternatively audacious and terrified. Recently two B.mall Anglo-French war craft came into harbor, and immediately the whole posse of enemy Consuls took refuge in the Legation, with previous papers and. handbags, until the vessels departed.

ROUMANIAN ATTITUDE. PLAYING FOR SAFETY. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, January 21. A Roumanian correspondent of the Paris Matfn interviewed a, prominent member of the Cabinet, who said that negotiations had been completed and had had an excellent effect on the country. The Government decision conforms with the national sentiment, which is summed up in the words, ''No war, or war oil the side of the Allies." ''We first require," said the Minister, "a favorable economic and strategic position securing us against a disaster. We have A50;00f) men. of whom (100,000 are armed, but Roumanian lielp will only produce its full effect if thrown into the seale at the right moment.' 1 KING CONSTANTINE INDIGNANT. New York, January 21. King Constantine. in an interview with a. representative of the Associated Press, was profoundly indignant at the recent high-handedness of the Allies. He was greatly moved, and recited a long list of encroachments on the sovereignty of Greece, culminating ii| the seizure of Corfu and the destruction of the Demirhirrar Bridge. BULGARIAN PORT BOMBARDED. AUSTRIAN PILLAGER*. Athens, January 21. The Allies bombarded Port Algos, in Bulgaria, on Wednesday. landing parties searched the. shores and reembarked. Paris, Jan, 21. A representative of l.e Journal interviewed King Nicholas ot Montenegro on January 0, when he said: "I am unable to hold out. The men have not eaten for live, days and are outnumbered ten times. The Adriatic communications are insufficiently protected. The Aiistrians sank a supply-ship and bombarded my position. Le Petit Journal's correspondent, in a despatch from Brindisi, says the Austrians' entry ii'.to Cettinje, Antivari and elsewhere was marked by pillaging, resulting in serious conflicts with civilians. The Montenegrins are now occupying passes. 2500 metres high, command the roads to Scutari. Rome, January 21. The Queen and Princess of Montenegro have arrived and were met by Quetjii Helena. They are going to Lyons, whither, flic Cettinje diplomatic corps is travelling.

BRITISH CONSUL ARRESTED. A BULGARIAN REPRISAL. Received Jan. 23, 5.3. p.m. " Rome, Jan. 22. .Sofia advises that Mr. Heath, the British vice-Consul, lias been arrested, despite a protest by the American Charge d'Afl'aires, in whose home the Consul took refuge 'When Bulgaria attempted reprisals fo-r the arrests at Salonika. . BETWEEN TWO STOOLS. KING NICHOLAS'S DIFFICULT*. Received Jan. 23, 5.3. p.m. London, Jan. 22. The . Daily Telegraph's Milan correspondent reports that since .Serbia's defeat King Nicholas' Austrophile councillors gained the upper hand and persuaded King Nicholas to surrender in order to-avoid Serbia's fate. The King listened, unwillingly, and sent General Martinovitch with the last resource to defend the approaches to the capital, promising that if the defence proved futile he worild negotiate for peace. General Martinovitch's efforts were foiled by the want df sincere co-opera-tion, and he.was unable to muster more than 1200 men. The, King was stunned at Austria's exorbitant demands, which would reduce. Montenegro to vassalage. Meanwhile General Martinovitch resolutely opposed capitulation and retreated towards Scutari. King Nicholas was now between two fires —his political advisers and the military resistors. Finally he sided with the army and rejected the terms of surrender.

AUSTRIAN- PRESS PUZZLED; Received Jan. 23, 5.5. p,m. Zurich, Jan. 22. Austrian newspapers' are mystified, and are asking whether King Nicholas is playing a double game. The Muneliener Xacbrichteg insists on Montenegro's disarmament proceeding rapidly. GUERILLA WARFARE PREVAILS. Received Jan. "22, 5.5 p.m. London. Jan. 21. Tlie Daily Telegraph's. Rome correspondent reports that fighting is general throughout Montenegro. King NiJftolas has traversed the country encouraging his troops. Virtually guerilla warfffl'e has commenced. The old men, women, and children are concentratine at Skutw*-