THE BALKAN WAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10755, 29 April 1913, Page 1

THE BALKAN WAR.

THE KINGSHIP OF ALBANIA. -dSSAD PASHA 7 S~PROCLAMATION. AN UNDERSTANDING WITH MONTENEGRO. PARIS, April 28. The Due de Montpensier announces that he resolutely declines the recent offer of the Albanian Throne. No crown would induce him to relinquish his two titles, that of a French citizen and that of a French prince. Essad Pasha's proclamation of himself as King of an independent Albania has been confirmed. He has'4o,ooo troops, including Djavid Pasha's IOyOOO. Djavid Pasha becomes Essad's War Minister. • The storming of Scutari was a farce, Essad surrendering after a regular compact with King Nicholas, the latter to obtain Scutari, Essad to take the remainder of Central and Northern Albania. By the Essad-Nicholas alliance, Montenegro keeps the Tarabosh Ridge and Boyana Valley, while Scutari town becomes Albanian. The fact that Essad has a great following among the Albaaian tribes assures his success. AUSTRIA'S THREAT. INTENDS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. BERLIN, April 28. The newspapers give prominence to telegrams from Vienna, apparent! >• through Count Berchtold's inspirati.;i threatening that unless to-day's London conference of Ambassadors recommends the prompt coercion of the Montenegrins Austria will instantly taice independent action. The "Lokal Anzeiger's" Vienna correspondent states that a Note has been sent warning the Powers of Austria's intentions. The correspondent quotes a high Austrian personage as saying, "In four days we will be in Antivari." The "Vossiche Zeitung's" Trieste correspondent states that an Austrian naval division has sailed with 10,000 troops, with the intention of occupying Antivari, Dulcigno and San Giovanni and advancing against Cettinje from the heights of Bucraa R-lsano. Austrian official organs declare that a European mandate is unnecessary. Austria is acting as the < reluctant loyal executor of Europe's will. Diplomatists are convinced that Austria -will be left to move alone, none of the Powers favouring force.

MAINTENANCE OF THE CONCERT. OPTIMISTIC FEFJJNG ON THE CONTINENT. LONDON, April 28. Latent Continental messages still fchow official optimism concerning the vitality of the European concert. Russia orally friendly counselled Austria to refrain from precipitate action, inasmuch as the .means of persuading King Nicholas to respect Europe's wishes had not been exhausted. There hre indications that the Emperor Franz Josefs, statesmanship now is playing a great role in the maintenance of a pacific policy. The representatives - of the Powers at Cettinje. .including the Russian Minister, presented the demand for the evacuation of Scutari.

ESSAD'S CONSPIRACY WITH NICHOLAS. SERVIA.A PARTY. Essad Pasha received a great welcome at Alessio. It is reported at Belgrade that Servia was a party to Essad's plan. "MELBOURNE, April 28. The Greek community has cabled to King; Nicholas rejoicing in the glorious victory, of their valiant brothers, the Montenegrins.