BALKAN STATES’ CRISIS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume L, Issue 14696, 30 August 1915, Page 5

BALKAN STATES’ CRISIS.

BULGARIA’S ATTITUDE.. KAISER’S THREAT TO WIPE SERBIANS OUT. LONDON, August 29. The Times correspondent at Athens, who has visited. the different Balkan States since the crisis became acute, enjoying favourable opportunities of ascertaining the best opinion in the four capitals,. besides obtaining Intbrviews with M. Pashitch (Serbia’s Premier) and M. Venizelos (the Greek Premier), says:—“ Until th 10th Inst, the Serbian attitude - was strongly opposed to. the Macedonian concessions. There was then a marked change. The Government remained theoretically unwilling to concede Bulgaria’s 1912 claims, did not acquiesce in the June-, ■tion of Bulgaria and Albania,, and insisted,on the necessity of an open way to Salonika. Nevertheless, the tone of the Serbian Government was so conciliatory and disposed to entertain the; proposals that it seemed evident that only straightforwardness on Bulgaria’s part was needed to achieve an understanding. Simultaneously Germanophile circles in Sofia stated tbiA a strong Austro-German attack on the Serbian north-west frontier was fixed for between September 10th and 15th. It was asserted that the Kaiser had declared his intention of finally -wiping Serbia off the map while en route to Constantinople. The Serbian Government was not impressed by these threats. Greece’s continued sympathy with the Allies is unimpalrea. Venizelos assured me to that effect to-day.” —Times and Sydney Sun Services. BULGARIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS IMPATIENT. GOVERNMENT DESIRES RESTOEA- , TION OF RIGHTS. SOFIA, August 28. Opposition groups have issued a collective Note condemning the Cabinet for not convoking Parllamertl in order to assure' the co-operation of all parties, in the national interests.,. The semi-official journal “Norodnaproya” explains that it is unnecessary to summon Parliament. The Government will not abandon neutrality rihtil its rights violated by the Bucharest treaty are restored. BULGARIAN FEELING MORE HOPEFUL. AMSTERDAM, August 28. The Entente is urging Bulgaria to postpone signature until the Serbians’ unequivocal reply to the Entente is received. • ' . SOFIA, August 28. There is a hopeful feeling over Serbia’s reply to the Allies notwithstanding fresh opposition in Parliamentary circles,; as it is believed that M. Pashitch will succeed in reconciling them. THREATENED VIOLATION OF_ ■ i''.; ; BULGARIA. ■■ - ' AUSTRO-GERMAN, PLANS NOT ''COMPLETED. NISH,. August 28. Our aviators’ reconnaissance at Orsova show that the Austro-German concentration is not yet adequate for the reported plan to force a passage towards Bulgaria. TO ENSURE ENLISTMENTS. THE QUOTA SYSTEM PROPOSED. Received August 30, 9 a.m. LONDON. August 29. A Cabinet committee, consisting of Lords Selborne and Crewe, the Hon. Winston Churchill,, A. Chamberlain, Lord Curzon, and Mr Henderson, is inquiring into the expediency of introducing. the quota system, similar to South Africa a. under which each locality is. to be asked in furnish a certain numb,or of recruits voluntarily, and unless these are forthcoming, the Government trill be empowered to take the men required. The South African Government has not found it accessary .to use the power. Lord Selborne’s committee will deal with the matter in an administrative manner, free front nil political or. personal questions. The indications are that the chief difficulty will’be, not to get soldiers, but in enlist, the men who can-best be spar’d, belonging to callings older men and' women might fill .the places, MACHINE BUNS. WHAT NEW SOUTH WALES CAN DO. Received August 30, 9.2- a.m. ’ SYDNEY, August 30. The manager of the Walsh Island Government workshops states that he can turn put machine guns equal to the best made in England. ' ALIEN ENEMIES. . Received August 30, 12.35 p.m. PERTH, August 30. In reply to a deputation from the All British Association, asking that alien enemies employed in Government departments be removed, the Premier answered that he was going to Act in accordance with fair play, and would not dismiss naturalised carmans witnout cause.' If anyone could bring demite instances of disloyalty be would takeiproinpt action.