THE BALKANS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144071, 16 April 1913, Page 3

THE BALKANS.

MONTENEGRO OBSTINATE. WILL FIGHT TO THE END. By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. OETTIGNE, April 15. It is officially stated that Montenegro will persist in tho struggle, and will only yield to force. VIENNA, April 15. Russia and Italy have initiated a proposal to advance Montenegro thirty million francs as compensation for Scutari. •ALLEGED OUTRAGES. (Received April 16, 10.5 a.m.) ATHENS, April 15. The destroyer Doxa hjs arrived at Kastelcryzo for the protection of the inhabitants. The Greeks deny the report of tho massacres at Kastoloryzo. THE BLOCKADE. LONDON. April 6. The naval demonstration at Antivari bps not produced tbe slightest effect, as far as the Montenegrins are concerned. Eight warships, led by H.M.S. King Edward VII., which flics Rear-Admiral Tronbridge’s flag, are lying in a halfcircle opposite the Montenegrin port, and the people of the countryside abutting on the seashore have been making of the occasion a sort of holiday. On the first morning when tho fleet was in position they wont down to the cliffs to see the pretty spectacle of a lot of nice, clean foreign war vessels, and then returned contentedly homo to breakfast. It is asserted in diplomatic circles that the Powers arc taking part in the demonstration only to prevent Austria from invading the country by land or investing it by sea. It is recognised that if either of these alternatives were to become accomplished facts Russia would go to the assistance of tho Slavs, and thus serious conflict would commence between tho two nations. It is asserted in many Austrian quarters that Russia is playing a double game, and that although she is nuhlicly acting in concert with tho rest of the Powers, privately she is encouraging the Allies. Transports are landing reinforcements close to Scutari for the Montenegrins. and tho blockadcrs are compelled to impotcntly look on at tlw> proceedings. To seize the transports would amount to a cause for war.