THE BALKANS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2870, 17 March 1909, Page 26

THE BALKANS.

♦ — VD3NNA, March 12. Baron Aehrenthal Is not satisfied with' the Servian circular note, and awaits a direct reply to his inquiry regarding Servia's intentions, and whether the conditional offer of commercial "negotiations • will be accepted. Tho Austvian newspapers emphasise Servia's military preparations. The Times' St. Petersburg correspondent reports that official -circles are more reserved. Unofficial observers consider ■ that Austria is determined to fasten a ! quarrei upon Servia, and discuss the prospect of an Austrian ultimatum to Servia. 1 VIENNA, March 15. ' . Thii equipping of the second line of reserves with rifles and cartridges has created a bad impression in Vienna. ■ . BELGRADE, March 10. Servia's revised note to the Powers states that she is prepared to maintain normal neighbourly relations with Austria, and demands from Austria no compensations, lerritoi'ial or otherwise, arising oufc of the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The latter is declared to be a European question, and Servia relies upon the equity of the Powers in the matter. Servia's offer was made after the terms of it had been revised by M. Isvolsky, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs. m March 11. Servia's circular note unreservedly 1 places her cause m the hands of the Powers. A communique from Belgrade shows that Servia's acquiescence in Russia's peaceful counsels has aroused bitter feeling, and many of the public are asking whether the Government eoxild not long since have £ore"seen the result. '