Evening star., 1915-12-02
BALKAN SITUATION :
IN TRANSITORY STAGE
Germans May Either Attack French
or British or Move to
Meet Russians.
10000 sERBIANs CAPTURED
Invaders Reported to Have Taken
Great Number in November-Cold
Weather flinders Opera
tions.

LONDON, December e-Aus-
TRAN forces. pressing their cam
paign against Montenegro. have
occupied the towns OF Plevlje and
Jabuka, in northeastern Montene-
gro. near the Serbian border.
German army headquarters an
nounced today.
Military events in the Balkans
are apparently in a transitorv
stage which may preface another
German offensive. but whether
this will be made against the
tranco-British troops, which hold
all that remains OF Serbia. or
against the Russians should they
launch an attack against Bulgaria
from the east, the present situa-
ton gives no indication. A
Saloniki dispatch, reporting with
drawal OF Field Marshal Won
Mackensen 5 forces from the Ser
bian front to Bulgaria, is inter
preted in some quarters as con-
firmation OF the second alterna-
tive.
Serb Campaign Finished, Claim.
With Prisrend in Bulgarian hands
both the Austro Germans and the Bull
garians have formally announced the
completion of their Serbian campaign.
Vienna officially estimates the capture
of more than $4,000 Serbians by Gen.
Won Koevess' army during the month
of November alone. Moreover it seems
certain that the Serbians in their re-
treat over Albanian mountain passes
incumbered by civilian refugees and
made more difficult by wintry weather. 4
were forced to leave behind them /
large part Of their equipment, includ-
ing most of their heavy artillery, mo-
tor cars and other transports.
Austria, with the assistance of some
German troops. continues her opera
tions against Montenegro. the frontiers
of which have been crossed. but not
without considerable opposition from
the Montenegrins, who are masters in
mountain warfare and who have been
Joined by some portions of the Serbian
armies which succeeded in escaping
from the invaders of their country.
Battles now are being fought in that
part of the Sanjak of Novipazar which
was taken by Montenegro after the
Balkan war. The Austro-Germans are
south from Sienica and
across the frontier from Priepolje. In
the north the Montenesrins claim t.
.tAFa
region of Fotchs, Bosnia. 1t is expect
ed. however. that the Austro- o-Germans
have provided sufficient forces to make
sure of a successful campaign as they
did in the case of Serbia.
May Not Occupy Monastir.
The suggestion is made that. to avoid
a dispute with Greece. King Ferdinand
of Bulgaria has decided against tho
OF Monastir. the only town
Of any Importance remaining in Serb
ian hands.
The latest reports from Monastir
state that Serbian reinforcements.
W hich are advancing to the aid of Col.
Eassitch from the north, are nearing
MonaStir, says a Reuter- dispatch from
If these arrive in time. the dispatch
adds, the Serbians Will be able. in th"
opinion of Col. Easstch. to retain pos
session of the town. the defense o.
which. in the face of tremendous odds.
already has evoked admiration.
Telegraphine from Athens under dat
Of December l the correspondent of tbs
ia vas News Agency says:
The Bulgarians have not yet occu-
pied Monastir The Serbian army ma.
evacuated the city, leaving only few
officers and a small detachment OF
troops to preserve order. II is sup
posed the Bulgarians are awaiting for
before entering the
city.
Serb Refugees Suffer.
The Serbian comma andsnt at Mon
,stir posted notices throughout the
own advising all inhabitants who
feared the treatment they might re-
,e;ye al the hands Of the Bulgars to
cave the place. and that Serbian troops
would be engaged in protecting their
light toward the Greek frontier. Serb
an refugees continue to arrive at the
creek border are suffering frishtfuily
rom cold. the weather registering 10
legrees Fahrenheit above zero.
Fresh Bulgarian forces are concen-
rating toward the French front.
A HaNas dispatch from Saloniki SAYS
telegram has been received there
rom Col. NassiIih. the Serbian COM
nander at Monastir. filed at o'clock
Wednesday morning. saying the city
vas still holding out
The temperature is abating along
he French front. the correspondent
dds "Cannonading continues along
he Cerna river and in the direction OF
lrivolak. where two Bulgarian bat
cries have been silenced.
Bulgarian deserters. who are arriv-
ng daily at the Franco British camp.
elong to the peasant class. The sol
fers OF the upper classes continue
nth the Bulgarian forces.
Italy to Extend Aid.
ROME December What is be-
eved to have been an intimation that
n Italian expedition soon will be sent
o Albania was given by Foreign Min
,ter Sonnino in his address before par
ament, when he said that as soon
ossible the Italian flag would wave
rom the opposite coast of the Adriatic
, help the Serbians.