UNINTERRUPTED UNDING OF TROOPS

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9174, 14 October 1915, Page 5

UNINTERRUPTED UNDING OF TROOPS

GREECE HASTILY MOBILISING BULGARIA’S PLIGHT ROUMANIANS WANT TO MARCH By Telegranh—Press Association—Copyright. (Received October 13, 8.30 p.m.) SALONIKA, October 13. Protective measures have been taken to ensure the arrival of troops and war material under the best conditions. . .. ’ The convoys are Anglo-French, and the troops are landing uninterruptedly. ... * Greece is hastily completing her mobilisation. •"Times” and Sydney “Sun” Services. (Received October 13, 5.5 .p.m.) ■ LONDON, October 13. Letters from Bulgaria show that the situation there is extremely critical A special train conveying the Allied Ambassadors to Dedeagiatch passed train-loads of recruits who greeted them with frantic cheers for “Mother Russia.” . ' Tho popular indignation and disgust at King Ferdinands policy threaten, an outbreak At any moment. 1 “Times” and Sydney “Sun” Services. (Received October 13, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 13. The “Evening News” Paris correspondent states that six German generals, eight colonels and sixty other officers, two Austrian generals and tmcc other officers, have arrived at Sofia, and jealousies are already evident. The Bulgarian staff is departing for tho frontier. ' “Times’ - and Sydney “Sun” Services. (Received October 13, 5.5 p.m.). MILAN, October 13. -A correspondent in Bucharest reports that.M. Jonescu reperats his uhshakeable conviction of tho ultimate defeat of Austro-Germany and his appeal to the Allies to act quickly. . , I , . . Ho'says that the . whole of Roumania desiras to throw its sword into the balance, and the army is longing to receive marching ordens. . . Tho‘Roumanian National Federation has asked tho Government to intervene in favour of tho Allies. ■ , (Received October 13, 10 p.m.) ATHENS, October 13. M. Venizelos, in' the Chamber, stated that tho Entente had given assurances concerning the restitution of Dodekaneso and Cyprus. Ho recommended the new Government, if it remained neutral, ;to suit the-interests of tho Central Powers, to obtain, through responsible channels, ,similar compensations, and, a guarantee of territorial integrity for twelve years after the war. , ’ ' BULGARIANS INVADE GREEK TERRITORY. . t I (Received October 13, 10 p.m.) • . ROME, October 13. The “Idea Nazionale” states that. Bulgarian Comitadjis invaded Greek territory near Grumulgina. _ T . , The Greek troops, believing that the invaders were Bulgarian regulars, occupied a neutral zone and sharp fighting ensued.

ONSLAUGHT RESISTED ENEMY THROWN ACROSS THE DANUBE. By Tolcfra-pb—Press Association—Copyright NISH, October 12. A communique states: Our troops are admirably resisting the Austro German onslaught. Our offensive between the Mlava and Morava rivers threw hack • the enemy across, the DanubeA detachment which reached Smederevo was annihilated. A few who endeavoured to escape wore drowned in the Danube. ■ We-repulsed air the German attacks on the Drina-Save front.

RUSSIA TO TAKE A HAND

HER FORCES TO ATTACK BULGARIA. By Telejrraph—Press ’ Association— Oopyrichl PARIS, October 12. M. Viviani. in the Chamber of Deputies, stated:—“To-morrow Russia will throw troops, against Bulgaria.” NEW YORK, October 12. A Reuter message from Paris states; The' Premier. M. Viviani, announces that Russian participation in the Balkan defence is imminent. Britain, Franco and Russia are in complete accord. Ample troops are available. RUPTURE WITH BULGARIA COMPLETE. ■.< "Time*" and Sydney "Bun" Service* LONDON. October 12. The Pains “Journal” states that the rupture between Bulgaria and the Allies is complete. NEW YORK, October 12. A Reuter message from London state 3 that Great Britain has dismissed the. Bulgarian Minister, M. Hadji Mioheff. ROUMANIA WITH THE ENTENTE. NEW YORK, October J2. > A Reuter message from Rome states: The Roumanian Premier, M. Bratiano, baa given Italy to understand that Roumanian co-operation. with the Entente is certain, but Roumania ■ will choose her own time in which to take th» field.

BULGARIAN ATTACKS. LONDON, October 13. The Serbian Legatioi announces that the Bulgarians since last night are attacking in the direction of Vlasina, eastward of Vranja. All the attacks were heavily repulsed. 1 PARIS, October 12. The “Matin’s” correspondent at Nish says that the Serbians on Sunday morning regained advantages and seized some excellent positions. They' threw back the Germans into the suburbs of! Belgrade. Tho Hermans threw' 50,000 shells into the town, not sparing the hospitals or churches. They destroyed the Synagogue, burying hundreds of Jewish families who were taking refuge in the vaults. , , The British heavy guns inflicted .se-' vere losses and sank two monitors.’

The fighting continues *n the hills about Belgrade. French artillery are co-operating, with the British and Serbian.

EXPERT OPINION. ' "Timee" and Sydney "Sun’* Services. LONDON, October 12. Colonel Ecpington, . “The Times’’ military correspondent, says:—“Judging from reports. General von Mackensen’s Danube group of armies, entirely composed of Austro-Germahs, withdrawn from the Russian front, and totalling nearly 300,000 men, hope to aid the Bulgarian army to finish Serbia before the Allies intervene. Serbia’s chances of. successful resistance are not great unless, 300,000 _ Allied troops speedily come to her aid. 11 Greece and Roumania side with us the failure of. the attack on Serbia is assured; otherwise, Germany will have the best of the deal- . i “Perhaps it would be unwise to submit to the dictation of German inititiative, and to open a great campaign in the Balkans. The decision of the war rests on the t rench and Russian frontiers. Even if Germany was installed at Constantinople with the Balkan States..under her heel; it would not profit her jf we are victorious in the main theatre. Should Germany’s ambitions tempt her further east, under the treaty with Japan, she will have to face a fresh enemy.” "Times" and Sydney "Sun” Service*. (Received October 13, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 13. . The “Westminster Gazette” states: “Colonel Repington’s comments point the way to British action in the Balkans. 'lt is imperative that nothing should weaken our forces in the West. We must not allow the Germans to impose the initiative on us. We must rather ;take advantage of the dispersal of their forces to strengthen the concentration of ours. We may dismiss all grandiose ideas of the Germans attacking India by Bagdad. If they were foolish enough to attempt such wildcat adventures, they would merely play into onr hands. It is impossible to strike a serious and fatal blow at the Empire in these regions while wo have.icommand of the sea.” t

DISPOSITION OP BULGARIANS. “Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services LONDON, October 12. “The Times” correspondent at Bucharest states that eleven Bulgarian divisions, forming three armies, are under the command of Prince Boris. The first army, under General Bogaceff, is to cut the railway from Nish to Salonika; the second, under General Tonceff, is watching Greece; the third, under General Teotiocoff, has for its object Sumec, and ,is watching Roumania. “Times” and Sydney ,"Sun” Services. LONDON, October 12. The Paris “Journal” states that Bulgarian cavalry, officered by Germans, is concentrating at Knstendil (on tho Sofla-Uskub railway; ten miles east of the Serbian frontier).' HEAVY LOSSES IN MACKENSBN’S ARMIES. PARIS, October 12. The Austro-German attack on Serbia has already caused heavy losses to General von Mackenscn'g army. It is a clear gain to the Entente when the enemy multiplies his battlefronts the very moment when his effectives are beginning to be exhausted, GERMAN REPORT. LONDON, October 12. A Berlin communique states: Wo are makina good progress on tho entire Balkan front. We stormed the town and fortress of Semendria yesterday.

SERBIAN CAPITAL REM&VAL TO MONASTIR EXPECTED. By- Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, October 12. It Is expected that the capital of Serbia will bo removed to Monastir. The population of Nish is making demonstrations with the Allies’ flags, and is eagerly awaiting help. .The Allied troops have not yet departed from Salonika. [The Serbian capital was [removed from Belgrade to Nish early in the war. A number of the State offices and banks were recently transferred to Prishtina. Monastir is in the extreme south of Serbia.] STATEMENT IN FRENCH CHAMBER FEVERISH ANTICIPATION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received October 13, 3.30 p.m.) PARIS, October 12. When the Chamber of Deputies met to-day the members were in a state of feverish anticipation reflecting that of the public at large. The uneasiness was increased by rumours that the negotiations of the Entente were still incomplete. Certainly there was no evidence of effective unity of action among the Allies. The - Deputies listened to the speech by tho Premier (M. Viviani) in tensest silence, which was broke with loud cheers when the Premier announced that Russia was landing troops in Bulgaria. M. Viviani said that owing to the grave circumstances the country was entitled to a clear statement on tho Balkan crisis. Tho Balkan question had been engaging the Allies’ attention before the war. The treaty of Bucharest left a feeling of deep rancour in Bulgaria, neither tho King nor the Bulgarians being resigned to tho loss of the fruits of their sacrifices in the Turkish, War or tho„ burden resulting from the unjust war waged against Greece and Serbia. The Entente Powers therefore guided their policy in., tho spirit of generosity and justice, and tried to restore the union of the Balkan people, with the view of satisfying thoir principal national aspirations and equilibrium, secured by mutual sacrifices.

This was freely assented ■ to by each, and would have been the best guarantee for future peace. Notwithstanding the persevering efforts to which Roumania, Greece, and Serbia repeatedly lent help, we wore unable to obtain the sincere collaboration of the Bulgarian Government. M. Viviani added: “The chief and essential difficulty was negotiating at Sofia, Bulgaria advancing claims on all frontiers at the expense of her neighbours. We had reason to hope that Roumania,' Greece, and Serbia would finally consent to make sacrifices for which they would receive compensation. Our efforts with Roumania were not without success. The state of semi-mobilisation in which she is holding her troops will enable her to repel aggression and keep a close watch on the frontiers. Roumania knows, moreover, that only a victory for the Quadruple Entente can assure her independence and satisfy her national aspirations. . The equivocal attitude of the Bulgarian Government led Greece to maintain a policy of expectation.” ' ’ • ' ‘ ■ ENERGETIO^ACTION. (Received October 13, 8 p.m.) ( PARIS, October 13. M. Viviani continued: “At the moment when the Quadruple Entente announced the extensive concessions to which Serbia had consented. King Ferdinand signed an agreement with Turkey and bound himself definitely to Germany. . To a friendly'question regarding his intentions, he replied by the mobilisation of his army. From the moral and military standpoints, wo were unable to consent to the isolation of Serbia and the, interruption of communicatiofis with our friends and Allies. “Our action must be energetic, to correspond with the efforts of our enemies, who are dominated by the Allies on, the Western front and checked in Russia, and are now seeking" success in a new field.

“In order to help the Serbians, it was necessary to pass, through Salonika, and, as soon as Bulgaria began to mobilise, we entered into negotiations with the Greek Premier. These negotiations were natural, in view ot the treaty between ' Greece and Bulgaria., “It 1 has been said: that wo violated the neutrality of Greece. ■ Some even dared to compare our action with that of violation of Belgium when she disowned her signature. The conditions jUnder whichA we went to Salonika, and the, reception. accorded us, suffice to prove the inanity of that accusation. , ■ “Energetic action has been taken by Britain and France in agreement with their Allies.” A DOUBLE DUTY. (Received October 13, 10.20 p.m.) . PARIS, October 13. M. Viviani said that they had weighed the difficulties of the situation.' “Our own special duty is a double one. Our chief preoccupation, which dominates all other, considerations, -is the defence of our front and the deliverance of our territory. We must devote 'our strength and sacrifice our blood to secure a victory on our own soil; but, without weakening our own front, it is our duty to perform a mission affecting our interests and honour. The undertsauding between Britain and France is complete. We are now fully agreed to help Serbia, who has asked for assistance, also to insure for the benefit of Serbia, Greece, and Roumania, respect for the Bucharest Treaty. “Russia expressed anxiety to help Serbia, and to-morrow ber troops will fight side by side with ours. Gentlemen, with our Allies, we have done our duty. Never has the accord between as been so complete and close, and: never have wo been more confident of a common victory.” SERBIA’S PREDICAMENT 1 BULGARIANS APPROACHING NISH. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright 1 LONDON, October 12. The latest Nish telegrams confirm that the Serbians are being attacked on three sides, .the Bulgarians stabbing their ally of 1912 in the back by attacking on both the north-east and south-east of Ntsb, where the Bulgarians arc moving along the Vlasina river. They have reached a point

twenty-five mil- as from Nish, only ten miles eastward of the main railway connecting Nisi i with Salonika. It is estimate id that 250,000 Serbians are facing 400,1XK) Austro-Germans and 150,000 Bulgari ians. . Telegrams sh ow that ail the attacks hitherto were 1 leavily repulsed. AUSTRIAN S’ HEAVY LOSSES. ‘ ROME, October 12. The “GiormUe dTtalia’s” correspondent at Nish says that the Austrians lost 25,000 m<m in the battles at Belgrade. One brigade , was virtually wiped out. In one regiiment near Obrienovitz, south-west of Belgrade, not a man escaped. ARMED NEUTRALITY GREEK PREMIER’S REPLY TO , SERBIAN MINISTER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ATHENS, October 12. The Serbia rt Minister (M. Alexandropoulos) oilici: lily advised the Premier (M. Zaimis) of the opening of the Bulgarian offensive. M. Zaimisi replied: "Greece remains in the position of armed neutrality.’’ A SIGNIFICANT TOAST. LONDON, October 12Ozar Ferdinand of Bulgaria gave a banquet to the German officers of the Zeppelin, of- which the arrival in Bui- - garia was reported. The Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, Prince Hohenlohe, and General Liman von Sanders were present. ' O: :ar Ferdinand proposed the health of the Kaiser and the alliance with Germemy. He smashed his glass after driukiing, and everybody imitated his example^ SUBMARINES TAKE REFUGE. (Receiveid October 13, 10 p.m.) ROME, October 13. The “Co-.-riero della Seroa” states that four 1 'German submarines are taking refuge at Varna from the Rnssian Fleet. , DARDANELLES CAMPAIGN ■ ( : , INQUIRY DEMANDED. By Telcgratih— Press Association—Copyright (Received October 13, 11.25 p.m.) / LONDON, October 13. A number of Liberals-have tabled a motion calling for tho appointment of a Select Oomrnittce to inquire into the initiation, conduct, and position of the Dardanelles campaign. TH(£ ALLIES’ CREDIT FURTHER MONEY FROM • ' • TT.S.A. By TcJogritph— Press Association— Copyright ; NEW YORK, October 12. An additional Anglo-French credit of fifty linillions sterling is being discussed. • • j REPLY TO CRITICISM. (Received October 13, 10.5 p.m.) LONDON, October, 13. Mr McKenna, during' the American loan discussion, stated that imports from America increased for the first six mon.ths of 1915 by 581 millions ■sterling, exclusive of Government supplies. ; The reduction of our exports vo America for the same period was twelve millions. Replying to criticisms, Mr McKenna poir.ted out that the Commissioners vainly' ;asked for two hundred millions and tlien for. one hundred and forty, but this was equally vain. All they ,rero able to get was one hundred million s, and there was no great rush to offer that. While, therefore, from ‘.he British viewpoint the terms were startling, the American view was quite, different. ' The majority of the speakers agree that the terms are the best obtainable. We pressed for the loan, and are obliged to pay the American terms. Mr L. W. Evans urged that with a view, to preventing a, further fall in the exchange, we commandeer foreign securities held by British investors, and that they be used to restore tho halan.ee. ■ ■ ■ Others approved, adding that the war loan should be used in payment for the commandeered- securities. Mr McKenna replied that he had beeri attracted by the idea, but a difficulty arose in the case of securities, paying 8 or ,10 per cent. THE P^UND~STANDARD(Received October 13, 9 p.m.) NEW YORK, October 13. A meeting of British and American finsmeiers is to be held for the purpoa e of devising a method to bolster up thci value of the pound sterling, which is now too far below par to make the continued buying of American exports deisirable from the British view-point. Experts are unanimously of opinion that one (remedy, when the billion dollars loan is spent, will be the virtual elimination of the pound standard in the world of finance, and the substitution of the dollar for at least the remainder of the war. A supplemental loan of a quarter of a billion, under these conditions, would be easily floated in London. BILL IN THE~HOUSE. (Received October 13, 10 p.m.) LONDON, October 13. In the House of Commons, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr R. McKenna, introduced the American Loan Bill, and explained its purposes. It was read a third time, after some criticism on the ground of the high underwriting commission of 2 per cent.