“A SOMBRE CHAPTER."

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 66, 23 July 1913, Page 5

“A SOMBRE CHAPTER."

BULGARIA’S HUMILIATION

THE ADVANCING ARMIES

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] London, July 23.

The opinion in most European circles is that Turkey will have to retire behind the Enos-Midia line.

Tho feeling in Vienna about the possible entry of Sofia allayed by Roumania’s intimation thai she will not advance further before Bulgaria is given an opportunity tc accept her opponents’ terms.

The Greeks’ main army continues to advance. The centre lies in front ol Kresna Pass, while the Servians are in touch with the Roumanians’ right wing, cutting off Widin, where there are three Bulgarian brigades. Sofia is practically surrounded by half-a-million opponents. It is reported that Greece waives her claim to Kavaladrama, contenting herself with Salonika and its hinterland. The decision is calculated to facilitate peace negotiations.

Bulgaria has earnestly solicited the re-opening of tho. Varna-Sofia railway, which is the man avenue for the food supplies for the army and the capital. The Bulgarian Legation in London alleges that the Greeks at Demirhissar, besides burning Bulgarian villages, massacred 200 sick and wounded Bulgarian soldiers, whilst at Seres they sabred all the fleeing inhabitants, and at Tkilkish murdered a number of Bulgarian officers. Bucharest, July 22.

The King and the Premier have received telegrams from Kin£ Ferdinand and M. Ghenadieff respectively, suing for peace. Constantinople, July 22.

The Turks have occupied Bobaceki, and the main body is expected to enter Adrianople shortly.

A REPORT FROM SOFIA

(Received 9.15 a.m.) London, July 22

Reuter’s Sofia correspondent stater that communication with Adrianople has been restored. The report of Turkish occupation is denied. When Enver Bey’s cavalry and irregulars appeared in the neighbourhood of Adrianople, the, Bulgarian civil authorities fled. The Government ordered them to return to Adrianople and other places in Thrace whence they had fled, fearing Turkish reprisals. Enver Bey’s cavalry have left the neighborhood of Adrianople.

BRITAIN’S EMPHATIC VIEWS

London, July 22

Mr Asquith, speaking at the centenary banquet at Birmingham, said that the spectacle with which they wore confronted in the Near East was disheartening and even repellant. Th( Allies were drenching conquered territories with one another’s blood. Turkey, with the ink on the Treaty oi London not yet dry, was advancing beyond the agreed line and endeavouring' to recover lost territory. Not unnaturally the nations of Europe were profoundly moved, and demanded ol those with whom, as a last resource, rested the power and responsibility, tc terminate this sombre chapter ol European history. Britain had labored unceasingly to preserve the united action of the Powers. If Turkey waf ill-advised enough to defy the Treaty, she must he prepared for the bringing up of questions not to her interest. He believed that a speedy settlemenl was in sight.

THE BATTLE OF PETCHOVA

GREEKS CLIMB LIKE GOATS

(Received 10.55 a.m.) Athens, July 22

Despite the stubborn Bulgarian de fence, tho Greeks advanced all aloir the Petchova-Orliakou line. Tho battle lasted fifteen hours, the Bulgarian; with reinforcements on both sides los heavily. Tho Greek infantry, climb ing 'like goats, carried five successive lines of fortifications at Petchova winning tho battle.

The Greek centre has occupied tin southern end of Kresna Pass.