Observe, for example, the halt in the offensive from Saloniki. A day or two ago a British thrust carried across the Struma and French forces displayed marked activity. Half a dozen villages and a good many square miles of territory were wrested from the Bulgarians. The Serbians were pushing forward and the Indians from Albania were reported on the move. There was indication an advance along the whole line was in progress.
Now activity ceases, save at widely scattered points. The British have withdrawn to their old positions across the Struma. What appeared to be a general offensive is reduced to the proportions of a mere reconnaissance in force and in no very great force, either.
If these things were happening eighteen months ago, the world would conclude there was disagreement among the allies as to the division of the prospective spoils. Russia and Britain, perhaps, would be debating the fate of Constantinople, and Italy and Serbia quarreling over some section of the Adriatic coast. Perhaps France would be holding back for assurances of Mediterranean hegemony. There is no suggestion of such divisions at this time. The allies have reconciled their differences and composed their conflicting ambitions. They have, a clear understanding, it is manifest, of just what divisions, readjustments, and redistributions will follow a peace concluded on their terms.
So that we are forced to seek another explanation of the inactivity in the Balkans. 