THE BALKANS

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 27

THE BALKANS

ALBANIAN SITUATION SERIOUS. FRONTIER SKIRMISHES. DURAZZO, July/ 13. The ins (Agents have captured Berat. The Dutch officers assert that Greek regulars assisted the rebels. July 14. Fighting has begun around Valona. Two Italian steamers are proceeding there to remove the Italian colony. July 15. The Prince of Wied (King of Albania) summoned the Ministers of the Great Powers to the palace, and told them that the Powers, after placing him on the throne, had shown singularly little readiness to assist him in coping with the difficulties of the situation. He asked for their immediate help. It is believed that in the event of a refusal the Prince will tender his resignation. Twelve thousand refugees from Koritza, who occupied the plain near Valona, have deserted to the insurgents, fearing the Epirotes. An amazing mixture of modern and medieval war implements 'are being used in Albania. The defenders of Berat are employing a doXen Venetian cannon, dated 1489, firing stone balls. SOFIA, July 13. A contract with German banks for a loan of £20,000,090 has been signed, and the Sobranje is now discussing the terms. BUCHAREST, July 19. Numerous conflicts have occurred between the Roumanian and Bulgarian frontier guards. Five Bulgarians were killed in the latest affray. ' VIENNA, July 14. Tire anti-Austrian movement in Ssrvia is increasing, and the lives of hundreds of Austro-Hungarians at Belgrade are endangered. July 16. The seriousness of the Albanian situation is not concealed. Failing a miracle, Prince William of Wied will lose the Albanian crown. LONDON, July 14. Miss Edith Durham reports that Epirotes are advancing along the coast and burning Moslem villages and massacring the inhabitants, including women and children, who are strangled and cut to pieces. VIENNA, July 19. Newspaper reports state that the Epirotes have abandoned their advance on Valona and retired to their own. boundary. '