THE BALKAN CRISIS

Evening Star, Issue 13099, 4 November 1908, Page 6

THE BALKAN CRISIS

THE PROPOSED CONFERENCE. SERVIAN WISHES AND HOPES. THE WAR FEVER CONTINUES. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 3. Although Vienna telegrams report that no Conference will be held because Russia refuses to sanction Austria’s annexationo, Hufdaji official news states (hat 31. Tevoi-f-ky’e (tho Russian Foreign Minister) negotiations with Austria are pursuing their nctmal course M. Milovanovitch (Servian Minister fur Foreign Affairs) has informed Sir Edward Grey that Servia has asked as compensation the frontier of the Drina from the point where it leaves the present Servian frontier until it reaches the country north of Mon to negro, and that the frontier should then follow tho watershed to the Montenegrin boundary. SERVIA TO BE KEPT QUIET. BELGRADE, November 3. At the instance of the advisory Powers, Servia officially declaims any bellicose intention, and hopefully awaits the result of the Conference, trusting to the friendly Powers to plead her cause. At the same time public opinion. in Servia is becoming very warlike. ALilitary exercises are proceeding everywhere, and women’s legions are being formed at Nisch and Kniguiewata, The arms and ammunition which were so long delayed in Austria have now reached Belgrade via Turkey. FEARS OF AUSTRIA BELGRADE, November 3. (Received November 4. at 8.40 a.m.) Excited crowds besieged the approaches to the Skuptehma prior to the extraordinary session which was summoned to meet to-day. There were apprehensions that Austria intended to seize Belgrade. The Servian Government, in order to reassure the public, sent strong military patrols to the Danube to guard the river and also to all exposed places on the outskirts of the city. A MESSAGE FROM THE CZAR. CONDITIONS 'SERVIA MUST OBSERVE. THE AUSTRIAN ANNEXATIONS ST. PETERSBURG, November 3. (Received November 4, at 8.55 a.m.) It is reported here that the Crown Prince carried back to Belgrade the Czar’s letter informing King Peter that Russia reaffirms her sympathy for the southern Slavs, and assuring him that Russia’s efforts will be directed to tranquillise the situation by pacific means. The Servian delegates appear to be sanguine that Russia will not recognise the annexations. A semi-official communique issued here admits that Russia will afford moral support to Servia conditionally on her abstaining from every incautious and inconsiderate step. A Russian Note containing proposals regarding the Conference will be handed to the Austrian Ambassador at St. Petersburg on Saturday. TROOPS ON THE FRONTIERS. ST. PETERSBURG, November 3. (Received November 4, at 8.40 a.m.) There were extraordinary inspections of tho Russian troops who have been ordered to the districts bordering on Austria and Germany.