Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-01-24
TRUCE WITH AUSTRIA
IS ARRANGED AS RUsE
In This Way King Nicholas Gains
Weeks Time to Prepare Re-
treat Into Albania
HIS sUBTERrUGE IS ADMITTED
Has Prepared Documents Justifying
Conduct In Course OF Deceit With
Enemy-Premier Issues Statement
Concerning Fake Negotiations.

ROME, January o3-Premicr Mi
ouchkovitch. of Montenegro, who de-
clared on his arrival at Brindlsi that
King Nicholas had prepared documents
1ustifyinE the conduct of himself and
his ministers in regard to the peace
negotiations with Austria. is quoted III
dispatch from Brindsi to the Stefani
News Agency as saying that Monte
negro arranged truce with Austria
as ruse, to enable her TO gain time.
After the capture of Mount Lovcen by
the Austrians. the Premier is reported
to have said. this gave the Monte
ncErina weeks time to prepare their
retreat into Albania, in an effort 10
effect a junction with the Serhans and
TO defend Scutari.
SOME ADDITIONAL LIGHT \
CONCERNING SITUATION
Some additional light as to the sit
uation in Montenegro. Albania and
Serbia has been obtained through W. 6.
| Bakcman and II. j. Strong, of the Amer.
lean sanitation Committee, and George
L. I.orillard, who has been in Serbia
for the United States TO protect the
| Interests of Austrian prisoners Of war
held by the Serbians
Mr.. Bakeman I,u Mr.. Strong arrived
n the American embassy to-day, huy-
Ing left San Giovanni di Medua for
hrinaiS! IN one Of the last vessels 10
depart from tha. abandoned Albanian
town.
MIR. Lorillard has been in Rome for
several days.
Views expressed i'y Mr.. Bakcman and
Mr.. strong arc 10 effect that the So
called Austrian -Montcncgrln battles
nave in reality not been heavy The
MonteneSrin government. they said
was in readiness TO leave tho country
Tor Italy or Greece whenever the step
became necessary. Mr. Lorillard did
not deny tho views OF Mr. Bakcman
ana Mr.. Strong. who declare that since
the beginning Of the war the Monte
negrin government has had an under
standing with the Austriaus. which
made il unsafe to attempt to receive
succor from ltal, or any OF the other
entente allied countries
Il wish 10 say said Mr.. LorilIard
that Italy has done nnc work rs far
size has kept her good faith in getting
and other refugees
STEPS FOR ARMISTICE
MERELY no GAIN TIME
PAEIS. January 23.--'The Hayas cor.
respondent u, Rome says the Monte
ncgrin consul general there has rc-
ceivcd Il dispatch from Premier Miouch-
kovitch, OF Montenegro sent from
i'rindiSi. in which the Premier cy yplaius
the exchange of communications be-
tween the Austrian and Montcncgrin
military authorities after the fall or
Mount l."vcen and Cetinje According
10 inns ihiorma ton. the steps taken for
ah armlstire We're merely IL gain time,
50 as 10 insure tho safe retreat of In,
Montcncgrins toward roduuoritZa and
Scutari and to prevent Interference
with the Serhinn troops which were on !
The way TO AlcsSio and Durazzo. Al /
hania.
\ flavas dispatch from Lyons gives
an account OF Il statement made or he !
half of Queen Milcna. of Montcuerro.
by General Govosdcnostkc. The gen |
cral said the ship which took the
Queen. FrinccsScs Ncnie and Vera and |
the MontencErin officials from Scutari
TO irindisi was pursued ali tho way |
across the .\driatic by submarines and
seaplancs
REP0HrS or SUBTERFUTE
CONFIRMED nY GENERAL, |
The Seucral confirmed reports that |
King Nicholas had entered upon peace
negotiations with the Austrians. lie |
made the same explanation OF the ncgo- !
tiations as that crcdi'cd 10 Premier |
Miouchkovitch that his course was !
adopted as u suhtcffugc in order Ia
gain time 10 organize the army. which |
lacked supplies and munitions for fur
ther resistance. These negotiations. !
.hc general said, gave tho King time
to concentrate his army and make |
plans for it's retreat in case OF need |