Northern Advocate Daily With which is incorporated the Northern Mail Daily. MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1916. THE BALKANS.

Northern Advocate, 4 December 1916, Page 2

Northern Advocate Daily With which is incorporated the Northern Mail Daily.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1916. THE BALKANS.

Registered for transmission through the post as a newspaper.

It is diiiicult to give any definite interpretation of the Balkan war news to-day. Early cables received indicated that the position was desperate, but later mesages give reason for hope that a complete downfall will not over-take-the Roumanians. Most of the cables received today are from German sources and as such they must be discounted, not only for the fact that the Austro-Germau cable-man is an infinite fount of untruthfulness, but also by the fact that the enemy is plainly desirous now of making a good impression. The Kaiser has promised to punish Rouniania, therefore it is just as well to let the world know that he is putting his threat into effective operation. The conquest of Roumauia, while bringing no marked strategic advantage to the Austro-Germans, would nevertheless have considerable moral and political effect. H would help to put heart into the German nation at a moment when big efforts are needed, and it would stand the enemy in good stead when peace* negotiations were reached. The victories against us in RouiiKinia by.ye also clearly had an effect in Greece which is by no means bonefWiiil' to our cause ' King ConKtantino has been waiting for an oppqrtunitv : to- J break away from the Allies, and he doubtless sees that the trend of '.vents makes it possible that his forecast of the subjugation of the country will be fulfilled. Therefore his own influence over the conflicting elements in Greece has been increased. There is yet, however, room for legitimate hope that the situation may be altered in our favour Dealing with the Roumanian invasion first we are justified in accepting the encouraging, though somewhat vague reports of Russo-Rou-manian recoveries. A big Russian effort through the Wooded Carpathians is reported and it appears to have been attended with some success. Much depends upon this operation, because it is calculated to force a change in enemy strategy by endangering their rear. The hope also is justified that the Russian concentration, while perhaps not saving the capital, will enable the Roumanians to hold out in the eastern districts and finally defeat the enemy attempt at a total conquest of the country. Success, or failure, nevertheless, depends entirely upon Russia. If her concentrations are successful the Roumanians may be saved; if they are not, defeat must be expected. In the meantime the situation is complicated by the action of the Greeks. It was at lirst stated that King ('onstantine '.*, Government had refused to surrender arms upon the Allies' demands, and later reports referred to conflicts in the streets and panic amongst the Athenian population. Further cables improve the position, stating that King Consttiutine has given way and that the Allies command the position. But it is clear enough from the contradictory messages received that the Balkan position cannot bo summed up with any certainty. The events of the next few days iiiav turn the tide, but the present , , outlook inns! be regarded as discouraging.