THE EUROPEAN SITUATION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2384, 28 December 1908, Page 5

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION

THE BALKAN CRISIS.

RUSSIAN HORSES FOR SERVIA

United Press Association, Copyright (Received Dec. 26, 9.30 a.m.)

LONDON, Dec. 25

According to Reuter’s Constantinople correspondent’s message M. Isvolsky’s note declared that- Austria finally accepted the Russian view, namely, liberty of discussion at the conference. The “Daily Mail” states that 5000 Russian horses have arrived at Belgrade.

THE RUSSIAN NOTE.

AUSTRIAN OBJECTIONS

VIENNA, Doc. 25. The publication in Russian newspapers of a summary of M. Isvolsky’s note tat this juncture is regarded in Vienna as unfriendly, and it is considered that the note is calculated to destroy th© chances of a conference. It is considered that Austria alone is VjjT entitled to decide the question of autonomy. The prospect of delay is considered disappointing at Berlin.

AUSTRIA’S ATTITUDE.

CONTINENTAL PRESS COMMENT

(Received Dec. 27, 4.30 p.m.) VIENNA, Dec. 26. Austrian newspapers profess indignation at Russia’s attitude and accuse her ol : imperilling peace. German newspaper® declare that Russia is delaying the conference by advancing demands which Austria is unable to accept. PARIS, Dec. 26. The French press denounces Count Aerenthal’s cynicism, and declares that France expects the violators of the Treaty of Berlin to comx>ensate the sufferers. FROM KING EDWARD.

BELIEVED TO BE PACIFIC ADVICE.

VIENNA, Dec. 26

The newspapers attach importance to Count Mcnsdorff, Austrian Ambassador at London, bringing the Emperor Franz Josef a verbal message from King Edward. It is believed that the latter recommends Austria -to arrange with Turkey.

RUSSIA’S POLICY.

IMPORTANT SPEECH BY M ISVOLgKY.

ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 26. M. Isvolsky, in a powerful speech in the Douma, commended the great results of the Anglo-Russian agreement, and vigorously criticised Austria’s policy. Ho affirmed that the

views on the Balkan ques- * ition are in accord with tho views of all with whom international law is a living entity, and strongly warned Servia and Montenegro against any rashness, and, replying to tho criticism of those declaring that Russian policy ought to be a simple protest against annnexation, admitted, apparently regretfully, that Russia -was handicapped by certain secret engagements with Austria between 1876 and 1878, so that she was now unable (to protest alone against annexation which concerned the signatories collectively. Russia needed peace and time to recuperate, and aimed at a .....peaceful solution of the Balkan >*l( question by legal means. Amid cheers from a majority of the members M. Isvolsky advocated the moral and political union of the Balkan Slav States, and stated that Russia’s aim was to combine them with Turkey i« a comideal and in defence of their national and economic development. A vote of confidence in the Government was carried.