TURKS STILL HOPEFUL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15236, 25 February 1913, Page 7

TURKS STILL HOPEFUL.

1 ■ ■ ■ . ■—!s»■ -~,■,■■■ TIRING OUT THE ALLIES. ADRIANOPLE'S ENDURANCE. CAN HOLD OUT ANOTHER MONTH. SCUTARI NEARLY YIELDING. INACTIVITY OF ALLIES. « By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright (Received February 24, 10.50 p.m.) LONDON, February 24. A message from Constantinople states that the Turkish Government is confident that it can hold, the Chat aid j a lines indefinitely. The Porte is still hopeful of European complications or the exhaustion of the allies by delay. It is believed that Adrianople will be able to withstand a continuance of the siege until the end of March. Other accounts state that Scutari has telegraphed to the effect that it will be' difficult to prolong the resistance of that town beyond seven days. The main body of Turks is compelled to remain in the entrenchments at Chataldja owing to the floods. An artillery duel is in progress to the east and in front of Adrianople. The Turks claim that they have twice repulsed the Bulgarians in the vicinity of Hadem Keui (near the Sea of Marmora). They also state that it is reported that Montenegro is no longer able to continue the war. The Daily Telegraph's war correspondent states that the inactivity of the allies is difficult to explain. Possibly, he remarks, the failure of the Greeks to co-operate (which is due to the misunderstanding with Bulgaria regarding Salonika), has led to an alteration of the plans. It is rumoured in Belgrade that the allies and the Turks are secretly negotiating for peace. The Powers have not received any notification of Turkey's acceptance of the collective Note. M. Gueshoff (Bulgarian Prime Minister) states that the Government .has declined to consent tc a neutral zone at Karagatch at Adrianople, but will adhere to the parties' first proposition, authorising foreigners to leave the Turkish lines.

DEMANDS OF THE ALLIES. INDEMNITY MUST BE PAID. NEW FRONTIER LINES. TURKEY TO DEMOBILISE. London, February 24. The Daily Mail says that Bulgaria is only open to a renewal of peace negotiations on the condition that her new frontier is placed nearer Constantinople than has been hitherto demanded; that Turkey shall demobilise her forces within 15 days after the. reopening of the negotiations ; and that Turkey agrees to the payment of an indemnity. BULGARIAN STATEMENT. INDEMNITY REQUIRED. Sofia, February 23. The Bulgarian Ministry of Finance has issued a statement declaring that the payment of an indemnity is an essential factor in the conclusion of peace. The indemnity, it is stated, has become necessary as a result of the resumption of the war. The annexed provinces have become so devastated and depopulated as not to afford sufficient resources to meet their financial burdens, while the national economy of the allies has also been seriously affected. OFFER OF MEDIATION. ACCEPTED BY ROUMANIA. BULGARIA'S DECISION DEFERRED. (Beceived February 24, *0.50 p.m.) Buchabejt, February 24. The Roumanian Cabinet has agreed to accept the offer of mediation made by the Powers in regard to the dispute with .Austria. M. Philipesco (Minister for Agriculture) dissented from this decision and resigned. (Eeoeived February 24, 10.50 p.m.) Sofia, February 24. M. Gueshoff (Bulgarian Prime Minister) has informed the Powers that he will refer the offer of mediation to the Cabinet. CRUISER HAMIDIEH. ENEMY ON THE LOOK OUT. Athens, February 24. The Greek torpedo - boats are patrolling the Adriatic and lonian seas on the look out for the Turkish cruiser Hamidieh.