A SERIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3010, 6 October 1908, Page 5

A SERIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT.

BULGARIA WILL PROCLAIM ITS INDEPENDENCE. "FLAGRANT BREACH OF BERLIN TREATY." Received October 5, 11.50 p.m. LONDON, October 5. The Paris correspondent of "The Times" states that Bulgaria to-day wiH*proclaim its independence, probably through a national declaration by the Sobranje, and that on Tuesday Austria-Hungary will announce the formal annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Commenting on this very serious announcement, "The Times" severely censures this flagrant breach of the Treaty of Berlin. It declares that the news will be received in Britain with great regret and greater indignation. Received October 5, 11.50 p. m, VIENNA, October 5. The "Neue Free Presse" asserts that the Emperor Francis Joseph will address an autograph letter to the Powers, referring to the necessity of changing the present relations between Austria, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, but stating that the change contemplated would not overstep the limits of the Berlin treaty. The "Neue Free Presse" believes that it is possible to find within the treaty the title of ownership which will convince the occupied provinces that they were never to be separated from Austria. IN THE EVENT OF WAR. bulgaria-s;advantage over TURKEY. Received October 5, 8.30 a.m. BERLIN, October 4. Bulgaria's Diplomatic Agent in Berlin states that in the event of war Bulgaria will enjoy an .advantage over Turkey. His Government expects to obtain great results by pacific means if Turkey shows goodwill. „ BRITISH PROPOSALS. Received October 5, 11.25 p.m. LONDON, October 5. Reuter learns that the British Government made proposals to Turkey and Bulgaria for a settlement of the Oriental railway question. The Porte has agreed that if the railway was tempurarily restored to the Company Turkey would consent to its transfer to Bulgaria if tin 2 Porte's rights are. safeguarded. Britain has urged the signatory Powers to the Berlin Treaty to recommend this solution. It is understood that the Powers have agreed to this course. VIEWS OF POWERS. Received October 6, 12.36 a.m. - LONDON, October 5. Later, "The Times'" correspondent telegraphs that Count Khevenhuller, the Austrian Ambassador in France, greatly overstated the acquiescence of the Powers, since there is reason to believe that Germany views the proposed breach of the treaty with fundamental aversion, but shb is not in a position to directly oppose it. Austria's ally, Italy, is willing to consider Austria's proposal, but stipulates the restitution of Novibazar, and also the revision of certain treaty restrictions imposed on Montenegro. Russia virtually says that since Austria and Bulgaria intend to tear up the treaty provisions which they find inconvenient, Russia will also rajse questions, including that of the Dardanelles.