THE LATEST.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15460, 13 December 1915, Page 7

THE LATEST.

GREECE STILL 'HEDGING." (Received December 13th, 1-40 a.m.' LONDON, Doccmbcr 12. Though in diplomatic circles at Athens it was believed yesterday morninc; that Greece had at la->i {juen the En ten to Powers a plain and favourable answer, later reports indicated that this view was over-sanguine. It ap- | pears thai the attitude of Greece is unchanged, but the Eli ton to Powers are more impressed by her. Intent as»urance. The two main questions which were outstanding were military and political. The latter must bo s.ettle«i when the Allies decide whether they will hold or leave Saionica but the military problem brooks no delay. In viow of the sudden and dramatic turn of events on the Anglo-French front, the Entente Ministers have urjvd M. Skniiloudis to jrive a prompt ropiy, intimating tliat the War Council m Paris viewed with displeasure tne dragging out of profitless pourparler:-. These representations were backed no bv communications from the Britisn and French Government*. The iirtl

reports stated that Greece had accepted their demands, but soon aiterwards Renter's correspondent at Athens c-ablcd that 31. Skouloudis mado the usual reph*. that Greccc was willing to mako every concession, provided it did not affect Jier sovereignty and neutrality, but it was stated by a Greek official authority that the Entente Ministers), in a subsequent discussion, recognised tho Governments sincerity in seeking a satisfactory solution, and informed the Premier that these cocrcivo measures would cease. There tho negotiations stand at present.

Italian advices from Athens state that General Sarrail is proceeding to Athens to confer with King Constantino and the Greek Staff regarding facilities at Salonica. Tho Allies havo constructed telegraphs and telephones, but there is need for further liberty of movement. King Constantino seems to bo better disposed towards tho Allies.

Reports continuo to arrive describing tho Bulgarian and Austro-German concentration at Struranitza for one of the most decisive battles of tho war, in which tho enemy will make a supremo effort to drive back tho Allies or compel their retirement by an encircling movement. Meanwhilo tho situation on the Anglo-French front is unchanged.