BELGRADE FALLS

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 87, 11 October 1915, Page 7

BELGRADE FALLS

GREAT ATTACK ON SERVIA DANUJtfE AND SAVE CROSSED GREEK MOBILISATION COMPLETE The Germans and lAustrians have attacked the Servian northern frontier on a front of 250 miles, and claim to have crossed the Save and the Danube. There is an account of 'the capture of most of Belgrade, and the la-test report from Germany is 'that the city has fallen. One the other side it is stated by Paris that only minor forces really reached the southern bank of the rivers, and that the main bodies were hurled back. The object of the enemy's announcement is to excite Bulgaria to attack. Bulgaria now appears almost definitely committed war, and an attack on Servia is expected in two days. Greece has not declared herself further than an assertion of benevolent neutrality. Her mobilisation is completed. CAPTURE OF BELGRADE SERVIANS RETREATING EASTWARD (By Telegraph.— Press Association. — Copyright.) (Received October 11, 11.30 a.nL) NEW YORK, 10th October. A Reuter message states: — Nish (the capital of Servia) officially admits the capture of Belgrade. Berlin states officially that the heights south-west and east of Belgrade are in the possession of the Teutonic forces. The Servian troops are retreating eastward. ' % (Received October 11, 11 a.m.) LONDON, 10th October. •The Germans claim that Belgrade has fallen. BULGARIA'S FINAL PREPARATIONS ATTACK EXPECTED IN TWO DAYS ' 5 ROME, 9th October. Bulgaria is making final preparations. Th© General Staff has left for the Servian front. An attack is expected in two days. GERMANY NEEDS BULGARIA'S AID. (Received October 11, 9 a.m.) PARIS, 10th October. I A communique states: The Germans triumphantly announce the crossing of the rivers Save, Drina, and Danube. As a matter of fact only weak forces succeeded in reaching the Serbian bank, sths greater part being hurled back from the river. The announcement of lAuetro-Germau successes was really made in order to excite the Bulgarians to begin the offensive, which the German army greatly needs. * j [Belgrade, the capital of Servia prior to the war, being on the south bank j of the Danube, Us under fire from Austrian territory, and was subjected to ! attack almost immediately on the outbreak of hostilities. It was abandoned to the Austrians last year, but on the great defeat inflicted by Servia in December, it was retaken, and has since been held by Servia. The capital was removed to Nish, where the seat of Government has remained. In the long intervening period, Belgrade has been more or less free from bombardment, owing to the fact that the Austrian/town of Semlin is on the opposite bank of . the river, shelling being suspended by mutual consent. Belgrade has, or rather had, a population of about 100,000.] GREEK MOBILISATION CONCLUDED. (Received October 11, 10 a.m.) PARIS/ 10th October. Greek mobilisation has been concluded. Headquarters have been established at Salonika. THE ATTACK ON SERVIA GERMAN OFFENSIVE IN OPERATION t ■ ' ' LONDON, 10th October. R«uter states that a telegram has just been received which declares that there is no room to doubt that the attack on Servia is the long-expected German offensive. The fighting along the whole frontier is described as of the fiercest character. Heavy artillery is employed. So far. the enemy is being kept more or less in hand, ■ GERMAN OFFICIAL MESSAGE. / AMSTERDAM, 10th October. A German communique states:— . . * General yon Mackensen's two armies crossed in their main portion the Save and Danube. After the German troops of the Austrian General Koevels captured Gipsy Island and the heights south-westward of Belgrade, the army occupied, the greater part of Belgrade. The Austro-Hungarians stormed the citadel and northern part of the town, and the Germans stormed the new Government House. The troops are advancing through the southern part of the town. General yon Gallwitz forced a crossing of the Danube at many points in the area below Semendria, driving the enemy everywhere southwards. AMSTERDAM, 10th Octooer. # An Austrian communique states : The lAustro-German crossings of the Drina, Save, and Danube have been continued. SERVIA ENTERED ON A FRONT OF 250 MILES. * AMSTERDAM, 10th October. An Austrian communique says: The Austro-Hungarian and German flags are flying at Konak. The enemy was watching the banks of the river above and below Belgrade. They could nowhere resist us. • Whilst heavy artillery bombarded the Servian fortifications day and night, pontoons and materials for bridge construction weje conveyed on the Hungarian railways to be ready at suitable points, and this was dorife as secretly as possible, and the French airmen were baffled by the devices used to conceal the transports and movements of heavy artillery. We drove the Servian frontier forces from their entrenched positions, but here again they were kept constantly under fire. The German and Austrian pioneers in a number of places started preparations for "crossing the rivers under cover of the infantry The storming columns on crossing were met by the advance guard of the Servian army, but the Servians were unable to maintain themselves in their wrecked positions. The Austro-Germans entered Servia on a front extending over 250 miles. SERVIAN COMMUNIQUE. NISH, 10th .October. A Servian communique states : The enemy crossed the Save at Yarak and other points, and crossed the Danube at the Belgrade fortress and at Ram. The enemy's advance guard at Belgrade was partly destroyed and partly • captured. The enemy made fierce attacks at .the Save crpssings. We pinned him to the brink of the river at several points, inflicting enormous losses. The struggle continues at other crossings. * LONDON, 10th October. The newspapers point out that British naval gunners are still defending Belgrade* • ATTACK ON VARDAR RAILWAY. ROME, 10th October. Bulgarian Comitadjis attempted to wreck the railway from Servia to Greece (along the Vardar Valley), but were repulsed with heavy losses. ' , (Received October 11, 9.30 a.m.) , ROME, 9th October. The Servians have concentrated a hundred thousand ""men to protect the Ghevgheli railway. . >» BULGARIA'S ARMIES MOVEMENTS' AND PREPARATIONS^ ATHENS. 10th October. The Bulgarian troops on the Greek frontier have been sent to the Servian frontier. SOFIA, 10th October. , King Ferdinand has appointed General Jekow Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian forces. * ""COASTAL TOWNS EVACUATED. SALONIKA, 10th October. King Ferdinand has ordered the evacuation of all the villages along the Black Sea and Aegean Sea. The Bulgarians declare' that Turkey is pledged to furnish 50,000 men at Dedeagatch and Varna. A Bulgarian army corp» ha& been sant ttwvafdj^Pixoi. *

DIPLOMACY IN THE BALKANS GERMAN WARNING TO GREECE SUBMISSION TO THE ALLIES IS A BREACH OF NEUTRALITY. AMSTERDAM, 10th October. The Frankfurter Zeitung states that Germany has protested to Athens against the Allied landing, warning Greece that further acts of submission to the Entente will be regarded as a breach of neutrality by Greece. ."WITH US OR AGAINST US? 5 ' GREECE MUST DECLARE HERSELF (TIJtZS AKB ITDNET «DN SERVICES.) PARIS, 9th October. The Echo de Paris states that it is impossible for Greece to remain neutral. "We should say to King Constantine: 'Are you with us or against us?' " (PRESS ASSOCIATION.) « A MYSTERIOUS TREATY OFFERS TO BULGARIA. GREEK DOUBTS OF ITS EXISTENCE: ATHENS, 10th October. The newspaper Patris states that during Prince Hohenlohe's sojourn at Sofia a secret treaty between Germany and Bulgaria was signed on 17th July, awarding Bulgaria Northern and Southern Albania, Macedonia, and Servian territory, including Monastir, Ghevgheli, and Doiran. Germany, under the same treaty, which Austria and Turkey signed, promised Bulgaria Salonika, Kavalla, Drama, Seres, Fiorina, and Kavoria. The Patris states that the position has entirely changed since 17th July, and, judging by the attitude of the new Greek Government, it presumably received official German assurances that the treaty did not exist. A British subject from Bulgaria, after studying the political situation, believes the Government at Sofia is in a dilemma, and that it will do everything to avoid hostilities". AFFECTED BY ITALY'S INTERVENTION. (Received October 11, 10 a.m.) ROME, 10th October. The Corriere della Sera states that the German-Bulgarian agreement for military co-operation is dated April, but execution was deferred owing to Italy's intervention in the war. BULGARIA'S DELIGHTFUL SIMPLICITY. (Received October 11, 9 a.m.) PARIS, 10th October.. • ■ The cynicisms in Bulgaria's proclamation that she must fight on the side of the conqueror, reveals a delightful simplicity. During the second Balkan War, TBar Ferdinand, also believed he was on the victorious side. THE KING & VENIZELOS IS THE POLITICIAN INCONSISTENT? ATHENS, 9th October. The newspaper Kairoi states that after the mobilisation order was signed, King Constantine asked M. Venizelos for his purpose in concentrating a large army on the Macedonian frontier. M. Venizelos Teplied: "Firstly, to defend the country ; secondly, to assist Servia if Bulgaria attacks." King Constantine said he agreed regarding the defence of Greece, but did not consider it desirable that Greece should aid Servia. M. Venizelos recalled! the treaty, and King Constantine said that Servia had refused to help Greece against Turkey in May, 1914, and added that M. Venizelos himself did not desire to send an army when the Entente asked Greece to help Servia against Austria. On the contrary, he demanded as a condition Rumanian co-operation, Bulgarian neutrality, and military help from Britain, France, and Russia. To-day, concluded King Constantine, the Austro- Germans number half a million, the Bulgarians 300>000, and the Russian retreat prevents Rumania helping the Servians. ATHENS, 10th October. In view of the pro-German allegations of personal ill-feeling between the King and M. Veniielos, it is noteworthy that the King presented M. Venizelos with a signed portrait, inscribed "In memory of our joint efforts." FRANCE & THE BALKANS FULL STATEMENT TO BE MADE • TO-DAY. > PARIS, 10th October. Owing „to the increasing demand among members of the Senate and Chamber for fuller information as to the Government's action in the Balkans, a conference of the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Army, Navy, and possibly the Budget, totalling 150 deputies, will hold a joint sitting on Monday, which will he unprecedented in the Parliament's history. The Government will make a full statement. A LESSON FOR AUSTRALIA THE ENEMY'S FAR-REACHING SCHEME. LONDON, 9.th October The Sun's special correspondent says that Australia should realise the great importance of the Balkan campaign. The Austro-German offensive inaugurates h gigantic scheme, whose objective is the Suez Canal, Mesopotamia, and North India. It is a stroke nearer to Australia than any previously, attempted*...

RUMANIA'S FIRM ATTITUDE MUNITIONS MUST NOT PASS. BUCHAREST, 10th October. Austria and Germany have again demanded the transit of ' goods towards Bulgaria through Rumania. I The latter replied that she adheres to her decision to hold up munitions. BULGARIA'S REPLY TO THE ENTENTE NOT OF A SATISFACTORY NATURE. ATHENS, 10th October. Bulgaria, on Sth October, replying to the Entente Powers' Note of 14th September, regarding Macedonia, points out that the Entente in affirming their recognition of the principle of nationality, will admit the right of Bulgaria to claim the realisation of her> national idea, as recognised internationally before the creation of modern Bulgaria, and enquires whether Servia irrevocably and unconditionally consented to the cession of the uncontested zone of Macedonia. In .-view of recent events, it is doubtful whether a reply of this nature could have produced a satisfactory result. THE ATTITUDE OF GREECE "SINCERELY BENEVOLENT." • PARIS, 10th October. The Greek Minister has notified France that the policy of M. Zaimis's (the new Premier of Greece) will follow the essential principle that the Greeks have followed since the beginning of the war r i and added : " In order better to guarantee Greece's vital interests her armed neutrality will ,adapt itself to the course of events, and as far as the Entente Powers are concerned will continue sincerely benevolent." HAND-IN-HAND A TURCO-GERMAN ASSOCIATION. (TIKES U(B IIDHBr SDK SEBTICBB.) LONDON, 9th October. A German wireless message states that a Turco-German Association, for the encouragement of mutual relations, has been established, with Enver Pasha as president. (PRESS ASSOCIATION.) THE DIPLOMATS BULGARIAN MINISTER RESIGNS. (Received October 11, 10 a.m.) PARIS, 10th October. M. Madjarieff, the Bulgarian Minister at Petrograd, has resigned, disapproving his Government's attitude. He remains in Petrograd. (Received October 11, 10 a.m.) SOFIA, 10th October. The Bulgarian Minister in Servia has returned to Bulgaria. ROME, 10th October. The Bulgarian Minister, before leaving Italy, sent a communication to the press regretting the interruption of relations, and adding that the interruption was not desired by the Bulgarians. LONDON, 9th October. Italy and France have handed the Bulgarian Ministers their, passports. HOLLAND CARES FOR THE ENTENTE'S INTERESTS. SOFIA, 10th October. The Dutch Charge d' Affaires has been entrusted with the Entente Powers' interests. "OFF TO THIS MISERABLE WAR." (Received October 11, 10.30 a.m.) PARIS, 10th October. Official- The Bulgarian Minister has departed. One of his secretaries, on the crowded quay, exclaimed: "It's all over; we are off to this miserable war." AUSTRIAN ATTACK ON CATTARO DECISIVE CAMPAIGN BEING PRE, PARED. ROME, 10th October. Advices from Cettlnje state thati the Austrians are preparing a decisive campaign against Mount Lovchen, on which batteries of 11-inch guns have been 'erected, commanding Ca-ttaro harbour. REVOLT IN ALBANIA CHECKED BY ESSAD PASHA. (Received October 11, 10.30 a.m.) ROME, 10th October. Salonika reports that Essad Pasha has, in a praiseworthy way, been checking a revolt which Austrian and Bulgarian agents have been stirring up in Albania. BULGARIANS IN EGYR.T. LONDON, 10th October. Reuter's Cairo correspondent states •that Genei'al Maxwell has ordered all the Bulgarians in Egypt to register hefore 20th October. TURKS' PERSECUTION OF ■ GREEKS MANY ASSASSINATIONS. ' (TIMPS AND STDNET SUN SERTICEB.) , (Received October 11, 8 a.ra.) LONDON, 9th October. The Salonika correspondent of the Temps says that since the Turko-Bul-garian agreement persecution of Greeks in Turkish territory has intensified, and there have been many assassinations. Ba6hi-Bazouks murdered four priests in Konia Thracian Greeks have been the greatest sufferers. Exiles have been driven into Asia Elinor, where death awaits