The Austrian Premier defended his foreign policy in the Chamber
on Tuesday, the Times correspondent tells us, amid a running fire of ironical comments. The expense incurred by Austria-Hungary in recently playing the part of "armed spectator" would have to be faced. (Noisy interruptions.) He accepted the principle " the Balkans for the Balkan peoples," and the Balkan peoples, according to his interpre- tation, included the Albanians. (Ironical laughter.) Austria- Hungary had a right to expect that the Balkan peoples would requite the "thoroughly friendly attitude" of the Monarchy towards them. They would have their opportunity in the economic negotiations which would follow the signing of peace. Not till the situation was clearer would it be possible to send away the reinforcements placed on the south-eastern border.. (More interruptions.) The Press Bureau, which had been attacked, had only acted "according to instructions." A German deputy hereupon exclaimed, "Then Count Berchtold is responsible !" (Uproar.) It was untrue that the bead of the Pleas Bureau had suited his tactics to the situation on the Stock Exchange. Protests came from so many quarters that it was not wonderful that an ironical speaker called the Premier's attention to the " unexpected unanimity of the House."
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