New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-29
Allies Prepare for
New Offensive
by Enemy.
SERBIAN ARMY
AT SALONICA
Rejuvenated Force Num-
bers l00,000-Athens
Protests Invasion.

London, May ZS.-t GLOWING tnelr
invasion on Friday of Greek territory
and their capture without resistance
of the Greek forts Of Rupel, Spatovo,
Kanevo and Dragotin, in the Struma
Valley, the Bulgarian forces, which
number about $4,000, have pushed
forward and occupied the station
and bridge at Demir-Hissar, which
is the key to Seres and which was
recently partly destroyed by the Al
lies in anticipation of this attack.
They are reported to be advancing
now on Kavalla, an Egean seaport
fifty-five miles southeast of Demir-
Hissar.
Events of the last week indicate
that the Central Empires are prepar-
ing to launch a new offensive in the
Balkans, centring on Greek Mace
donia. Succeeding events are expect
ed to involve Greece in serious war.
disputes, if they do not actually ref
suit in forcing her into the conflict
Popular Indignation has never been
50 strong as at the latest violation
of Greek territory, and the govern
ment's protest, forwarded last night
to Berlin, Vienna and Sofia, is said
to be unusually sharp in tone.
The Allies have never been better
prepared for a general offensive in
the Balkans or for an attack on their
base at Salonica than they are at
present. Reinforced by the new
Serbian army, estimated to number
nearly 100000 officers and men,
which has just completed circling
the Greek coast from Corfu, where
it was reorganized and freshly
equipped, the Allied forces are pre-
pared to cope with the strongest as
saults that can be launched by the
enemy.
DulRdfs StEtnRtntn DclcHCts.
The Bulgarian demand for the evseu-
alton Of Fort Rupel declared that the
place was essential for Bulgarian de-
fence, to secure their left wing from
a possible enemy attack This seems
70 indicate that the Bulgarisns were
not satisfied with the Kresns Pass, bar
farther north. which they had strong
ly fortified. The position at Rupel is.
perhaps. more important. II dominates
the defle leading 10 Demir-Hissar
bridge, an dthus controls the railroad
from Salonics 10 Kavalls, the immedi-
ate Bulgarian objective.
The restoration of Fort Rupel 70
Greece as soon as the reasons for
its occupation no longer exist was.
pledged by the German and Bllgsris
officers who signed the protocol. This.
however, has not served 10 diminish
the popular indignation IN Greece,
which is directed partly at the military
authorities, because of the lack Of op-
position to the invasion. The defence
of the authorities is that they were un-
able 70 communicate with their troops
in Eastern Macedonia.
Greek Protest Sent.
The belief is general in Athens that
the government intends 10 confne its
action 70 a protest, though IL is felt
that further movements on Greek ter
rit1ry by Teuton or Bulgarian forces
would result in resistance by force of
arms. II is pointed out that Greece
steadfsstly refused 10 allow the re-
organized Serbian army TO cross her
territory on a direct line from Corfu
10 eSalonics would not only
have cut down the length OF the jour
ney 500 miles, but also would have
lcssered the danger of attack on the
transports by Teutonic submarines
In the face OF threats by the Allies
10 employ force. Greece persisted In
her refusal 70 allow such a violation
OF her neutrality. and Il is believed
that she will take the same firm stand
against the Central Allies in the pres
ent situation. even at the cost OF war.
Public orinion, at all events. has be-
come Loiceably favorable 10 the En-
tentc Allies in the troublesome events
of the last months.