1 JULY 1911, Page 9

NEWS OF THE WEEK

• THE situation in Albania still remains threatening and precarious. We have dealt with the great risks which the Young Turks and the Committee are running, but must

note here the latest evidence in regard to the allegations of outrage and devastation. The Times of Friday publishes a telegram from its correspondent in Albania, dated June 29th, to the following effect:—

" I have traversed a portion of the territory of the Hotti and Kastrati tribes which was devastated by the Turkish troops. All the dwellings of the Roman Catholic Malissori were either bom- barded during, the operations or subsequently burnt. The destruc- tion is complete. The country is desolate, the Roman Catholic inhabitants having fled before the advancing troops. The situa- tion is known to the Consuls here, who have informed the Embassies in Constantinople."

It is difficult to exaggerate the menacing importance of this news. No matter how " correct " Turkish diplomacy may be in the matter of explanation, apology, and fresh orders to the troops to refrain from devastation in the future, the whole of Christian opinion in the Balkans, and especially in Montenegro, will be deeply stirred. Austria-Hungary, too, cannot but be greatly moved.