20 DECEMBER 1879, Page 2

Montenegro may very soon be compelled to reopen the Eastern

Question. The Turks have fulfilled the Treaty of Berlin, as far as Russia is concerned—Russia being strong—with com- mendable promptitude. Montenegro, however, Greece, and Armenia are not strong, and as regards them the Treaty lags. Nothing has been done in Armenia, Greece is put off with words from day to day, and the districts ceded to Montenegro are not surrendered. The excuse in the last case is that the A lbanians will not give up Gusinje, which appears to be true, but the duty of the Porte is none the less clear. The Sultan should either recognise the independence of the Albanians, who are a brave and independent, though fierce race, and who could soon come to terms with Prince Nikita.; or he should

declare them rebels, and order Moukhtar Pasha to join the Montenegrins. At present the Montenegrins believe the Turks are shuffling, and are preparing to take the districts ceded to them with the strong hand. The statement that the Catholic Albanians, or Miridites, have joined their MimiLimn fellow-countrymen against Montenegro is almost incredible.