Causes Consternation in Germany

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13272, 30 August 1916, Page 5

Causes Consternation in Germany

JUBILATION IN ENTENTE CIRCLES FIGHTING COMMENCED 1,100,000 MEN READY Greece's Action Eagerly Awaited BRITAIN'S PHANTOM NAVY By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright. SITUATION IN THE BALKANS ROUMANIA'S DECISION RECEIVED WITH ENTHUSIASM IN BUCHAREST. ONLY THREE DISSENTIENTS IN THE COUNCIL. FUTILE AUSTRO-GER.MAN EFFORTS TO CAUSE DISSENSION. BULGARIA .MAY CHANCE SIDES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, August 28. Advices from Bucharest state that the decision to declare war was almost unanimous. As soon as it was known in the streets crowds of intenselyenthusiastic people surrounded the councillors as they left the meeting, and nil over the city demonstration* in favour of the Entente were immediately organised. The Turkish and Bulgarian Ministers have already quitted Bucharest. According to the Home Messagero's Bucharest correspondent, the King gave audience to the German Minister prior to the Council. A dramatic scene ensued when the Minister, with tears in his eyes, implored the King to maintain neutrality, declaring that a Hohenzollern should not make war on a llohenzollcrn. The King replied that he was simply a King of Roumania, and must follow the national will. The fateful Bucharest council was opened by the King declaring that he would abide by the decision. The Chief of the General Staff emphasised the excellent condition of the army. The Hermanophile members did not raise ureal objections, declaring that if war were decided upon they would fully supporl it. There were only three dissentients. There was extraordinary enthusiasm outside the Roumanian Legation in Home when the special editions anounced Rotunania's decision. Large crowds paraded the «• treets for hours cheering Moiiinaiiia. The Tines' Bucharest correspondi'ii! slates thai Ihe Austrian and German Legations, supported by some proniinenl pro-Hermans, finding pressure on M, isr.diaiio. the Premier, futile, tried lo provoke dissension between M. Bratiano and the King. The latter was not responsive to this unconstitutional ~,., | UI( .. The concentration of troops was almost completed before the decree announcing the mobilisation was issued. The, authorities are dismissing the State's alien employees, including many Hermans, of whom there are a number in lite technical services. Roumania's participation in the war had been anticipated in London for many days. Numerous signs indicated that the actual moment was approaching. Bulgaria's offensive was generally regarded as showing knowledge of her neighbour's intention, and a desire to forestall attack. Open threats by Herman newspapers against Roumania indicated that fears were felt in Herman official quarters. Therefore Ihe declaration has not surprised Entente countries, but it has nevertheless caused a great feeling of satisfaction, even a jubilant lone in the Entente capitals. Flags, which have rarely been seen in Paris during the war period, were displayed in honour of the event. PARIS, August 28. Crown Prince Boris, of Bulgaria, who was recently in Vienna, eqpressed himself to Bourbonists in terms most favourable lo France. It is deduced that King Ferdinand, if defeated, will abdicate in favour of Prince Boris, who will immediately declare for the Entente. NEW YORK, August 28. The military expert of the United Press says:—"Roumania has shown that her rulers believe Ihe Allies have turned the tide of war. The limitation of Roumania's declaration of war to Austria may induce Bulgaria not to interfere in Roumania's campaign." The New York Hlobe says:—"Roumania has joined the side which she is sure will win. Her fresh troops will be of inestimable value to the Allies, and a dreadful menace to Bulgaria, who may now decide to change sides." The Journal says:-—"Roumania's support will be of great strategic value to the Allies. By closing the Danube, Roumania can stop the flow of munitions and supplies through the one great channel of communication of the Central Powers to the Balkans. Roumania's action is a grave blow to the Central Powers."