THE BALKANS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 7 June 1927, Page 5

THE BALKANS

JUGOSLAVIA AND ALBANIA ' “DANGEROUS POSSIBILITIES’* (By Electric l’elegraph—Copyright) (Published in "The Timet ") LONDON, sth June. “Tho Times” Belgrade correspondent says that although the Albanian Minister here stated on the 3rd June that Guirascoviteh had been released, the Foreign Office has not received confirmation of this, and states that Albania merely offered to release him, provided certain expressions in the Jugo-Slavian Note are withdrawn. M. Marinkovitch, Foreign Minister, replied that the release must be unconditional; the other matters could be discussed later. Albania lefused and consequently diplomatic relations were broken off. The JugoSlavian Legation has departed for Durasso.

. The Tirana correspondent of “The Times” says that the Albanians declare that Guirascovitch is of Montenegrin origin, and is now an Albanian subject. They were not notified of his connection with the Legation. The documents of which possession were taken were most incriminating. .The correspondent comments that both sides are most exasperated. The Albanians are particularly angry, and declare that only the violence of the Note prevented the immediate release of the correspondent. He further adds that the Jugo-Slavs assert that the incident is one of many pinpricks which are growing more frequent since the appointment of the new Foreign Minister, who is regarded as in the po-cket of the Italians. The situation is not immediately critical, nevertheless, there are still dangerous possibilities.

ROUMANIAN CABINET BUCHAREST, sth June. While Cabinet was meeting a court official entered and told General Averescu that the King had enlrusted Prince, Stribey with the formation of a Cabinet and demanded Averesou’s immediate retirement. Prince Stribey’s portfolios are foreign affairs, finance, and interior. He supports Brattiano, and opposes the return of Prince Carol. ALBANIAN VERSION (Received 7th June, 10.35 a.m.) GENEVA, 6th June. The Albanian Government telegraphed the League Secretariat detailing the events of the Jugo-Slavia rupture, and stating that it made unavailing efforts to soften the Belgrade Note which it describes as singularly severe. It adds: “Our own altitude has been one of exceptional deference. Tt is continuing to show great patience and moderation.”