The Balkan Tangle by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 8, 1913

The Balkan Tangle

By C. M. S.

THE situation in the Balkans seems now to be in a more complicated condition than at any previous time. The greater powers have not moved with the speed that Austria desired in the matter of compelling Montenegro to evacuate Scutari, and Austria is now moving troops toward the Montenegrin frontier and preparing to transport a division of her force into southern Albania by water. Montenegro on her part is moving her troops toward her northern frontier to meet the Austrian army, and according to reports Servia is acting with Montenegro against Austria in harmony with arrangements entered into before the outbreak of the Balkan war. The commander of Scutari, who surrendered to the Montenegrins on condition that he be permitted to march out with his troops and war equipments, has proclaimed himself king of Albania. This is out of harmony with the plans of the powers, who intended to put a prince of their own choosing on the Albanian throne. It is reported that this commander, who has a strong force under his direction, has entered into an agreement with the king of Montenegro to oppose the plans of the powers in reference to his country, and that he will help Montenegro and Servia against Austria. Another tangle has been put in the skein of complications by the disagreement that has arisen between the allies themselves over the spoils of the war. Bulgaria seems determined to take possession of the lion’s share of the captured territory, and it is reported that serious engagements have already taken place between the Bulgarians and the Greeks and between the Bulgarians and the Servians. Bulgaria seeking to dispossess both these nations of territory which they have captured from Turkey. This trouble among the allies themselves makes it almost certain that the greater powers will be drawn into the difficulty before many days. C. M. S.