In the Balkans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 24, 1913

A DESPATCH from Belgrade, Servia, states that the Servian government, yielding to the advice of Russia, will withdraw all her troops now cooperating with the Montenegrins against Scutari. The Russian government has issued a long statement relative to its course in agreeing to the program of the other powers in reference to Albania. Russia considers that to allow Montenegro to take and hold Scutari would be a cause of continual irritation and always a menace to the peace of Europe. Montenegro has not desisted in her efforts to take Scutari, and the international blockade of the coast of Montenegro continues. All ships at the Montenegrin ports were given forty-eight hours to take their departure. Djavid Pasha, formerly the Turkish commander of Uskub, is reported to have captured the Albanian city of Avlona, imprisoned the members of the Albanian provisional committee, and hoisted the Turkish flag. The European powers agree to Bulgaria’s demands concerning the line to divide what is left of Turkey from the territory to the west. There still remain differences between the powers and the allies over the disposition of the Ægean islands. The allies wish to dispose of these according to their own plans, while the powers will not consent to such a program unless it shall be in harmony with their plans. They fear that the possession of some of these islands by one or more of the allies might give them control of the Dardanelles. The question of a war indemnity is to be reserved for settlement by a financial commission to meet in Paris. It is reported that in case the powers use force against Montenegro, the king of Montenegro will abdicate, remove his family to Servia, and that Montenegro and Servia will be united.