THE BALKAN AREA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16646, 3 September 1914, Page 7

THE BALKAN AREA.

ON THE ADRIATIC COAST. BOMBARDMENT OF MOUNT LOVCHEN TIMELY ARRIVAL OF FLEET. By Telcgrnph—Press Association—Copyright. CETTINJE, September 1. Austrians, supported by tho Cattaro batteries and the fleet attacked Mount Lovchen, from Budua, on Monday, and seriously damaged the Montenegrin positions. The Anglo-French fleet made a timely appearance, silenced tho batteries and forced the fleet hastily to retreat. Tho Montenegrins, under Prince Peter, mado a counter attack, and repulsed tho Austrians, killing 450 and capturing many prisoners. SAVAGE AUSTRIANS. PILLAGING SHABATZ. LONDON, September 1. Nish reports state that the Austrians destroyed and pillaged Shabatz, on the Save, in a barbarous manner. Not a house was left undamaged or unlooted in the principal streets. They took hostages and extorted large suim* of money.in every village: Many hostages. were afterwards shot on frivolous pretexts.

TURKEY'S ATTITUDE. GERMANS URGE WAR. (Received September 2, 6.40 p.m.) WASHINGTON, September 1. The Turkish Ambassador announced that the Turkish army was mobilised three weeks ago, but merely as a procautionary measure- There was no intention of aiding Germany. The British Embassy has been informed that German officers have gone to Turkey with the object of inciting Turkey to declare war. It is reported here that the British Government is intending to ask the United States to take over British interests in Constantinople. BRITISH INTERESTS~iN~TURKEY. (Received September 2, 9.35 -p.m.) WASHINGTON, September 1. Reuter states that Britain has asked the United States to care for her diplomatic interests in Turkey in the event of a declaration of war against the Allies. A LIKELY STORY. " Tifcies " and Sydney " Sun " Servicei. ' (Received September 2, 5.50 pm.) ATHENS, September 1. The officers going to Constantinople are reported to be Turkish, who wont to England to take over the two battleships building for Turkey, but which Britain retained.