BALKAN SITUATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15174, 13 December 1912, Page 7

BALKAN SITUATION.

DEMANDS OF SEJiVJ^.

STILL INSISTS ON ADRIATIC PORT.

PEACE CONFERENCE TO OPEN

ON MONDAY.

AMBASSADORS TO CONFER.

By Telegraph.Frees Association.—Copyright. (Received December 13,-12-10 a.m.)

Paris, December 12. The French Premier (M. Poincare) has given an interview to M. Novakovitch, who was afterwards interviewed by the Temps. M. Novokovitch states that Servia insists upon the possession of a port on the Adriatic.

The Servians, he stated, arc unable to explain the puzzling and disquieting attitude of Austro-Hungary. Despite the Austrian menace Servia is leaving troops in Turkey. The opening of the Balkan Peace Conference which was fixed for Friday has been adjourned until Monday next when it will open in St. James's Palace. - Sir Edward Grey (British Foreign Minister) stated in the House, of Commons to-day that the Ambassadors would meet next week. The consultation, he said, would be noncommittal, an indication that the Powers were uncertain that a solution of all the difficulties was in sight. On the other hand, the agreement to consult was evidence that a solution was not impossible. Some of the London papers indicate that Austria is entering the Ambassadors' Conference with reservations.

The London press belittles the news of Austrian warlike preparations. It is stated that the mobilisation is restricted to two corps, and that only 550,000 men are now under the flag.