THE BALKANS. SITUATION REVIEWED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8216, 13 August 1915, Page 5

THE BALKANS.

SITUATION REVIEWED.

ALLIED DIPLOMACY FIRMER

| LONDON, August 11. Diplomatic circles at Rome report that the friendly conversations which have been revived botween Serbia and Bulgaria at Sofia are proceeding well. In Bucharest there is the conviction that a definite solution of the Balkan problem is unattainable at present because none of the States affected wishes to abandon its aspirations. The situation is complicated i because of the Austrc-German threats. The diplomacy of the Quadruple Entente, after having sought for months a basis of mutual agreement, has now taken a resolute attitude, which has already created some impression in the Balkans, where matters are beginning to favour the Entente. The Sofia correspondent of "The Times " states that the Turkish cession of the railway to Dedeagatch to Bulgaria is practically devoid of political importance. Bulgaria had urged tho I concession before the war, and Turkey ultimately made the concession in the hope of establishing friendly relations with her well-armed neighbour. Difficulties are now arising over the details of the transaction..;. The Tiirks^, elated over the Russian, reverses, are increasing their terms, which -Bulgaria*refuses, to accept, and negotiations .are apparently at a standstill, The Entente's Note is expected to prepare the ground for a definite understanding with Bulgaria.