DEFIANCE!

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 13063, 1 May 1913, Page 3

DEFIANCE!

MONTENEGRO'S PLAIN REPLY. THE SCUTARI COMPACT. DANGER OF A COSTLY WAR. (Press Assn.— By Telegraph— Copyright.) LONDON, April 30. The Telegraph's Vienna correspondent states that Baron Giesl at Cettinje demanded, on behalf of Austria-Hungary, the immediate and unconditional evacuation of Scutari, and King Nicholas peremptorily declined. With a view to preventing unnecessary delay the Powers are arranging for the preparation of a basis of peace for approval by the belligerents. Monday's conference showed that a majority of the Powers are .not prepared to consent to the occupation of some coast town m the event of continued recalcitrancy. Some diplomatists interviewed m London suggest that Essad Pasha has influence with a more or less organised following, and enjoys prestige for his gallant defence of Scutari. These influences would be missing m the case of a foreign prince or other outside nominee, , and , therefore it is hinted that if he is allowed to govern Albania-, Essad Pasha is willing, m exchange for Scutari, to make concessions satisfying Montenegro. There are heavy momentary declines on the Stock Exchange. The Daily Mail m a leading article headed, "An Attempt to Frighten the Powers," saya Austria's vague menaces are unlikely, to overcome the Powers' objections to King Nicholas' forcible ejection from Scutari. The Morning Post says diplomatists doubt whether it would suit Austria to engage, m a costly war arousing Russia, and contend that there are other means of coercion, including Montenegro's pressing need for money. British Government circles are hopeful for a settlement. The Times says that as the Powers are unanimous regarding the fact that they are determined that Europe's will must prevail, and are divided only regarding the procedure. It is impossible to conceive that Austria would be so incredibly rash, as to . take immediate single-handed action. The Chronicle's Vienna correspondent says Prince Danilo handed Essad Pasha a telegram from the Turco-Albanian Committee at Constantinople, urging Essad Pasha and Djavid Bey to save Albania and overthrow Kismail Pasha's provisional Government. Essad Pasha has concluded a compact with King Nicholas, providing for the Sultan's sovereignty over Albania/which will join jthe Balkan League; Montenegro to have Scutari and San Giovanni. , . King Nicholas . supplied Es«ad Pasha with ammunition and provisions, and released and armed 50CO Turkish prisoners. It is stated that Russia patronised the scheme. VIENNA, April 30. The Allgemeine Zeitung says the Ambassadors on Thursday decided which, if any, of the Powers should participate m Austria's possible coercive action m the event of King Nicholas refusing to yield unconditionally. The newspapers continue impatient, the military organs demanding the breaking off of conferences. • It fep^r&d Jjai^t *Dj»xi& Bey has been overthrown at Valona. 1 • ' ; The Government of Austria's announcement that it is acting independently was made to Vienna editors and foreign correspondents^ not to any Cabinet. (Received May l, 12.5 p.m.) CONSTANTINOPLE, April 30. It is semi -officially stated that Essad Pasha has officially reported his arrival at Alessio, and asked the PorEe for instructions. The Porte ordered him to disarm and dismiss the Albanian troops, and send the remainder to Beirut, or, if the blockade prevented that, to send them to Valona.