TURKEY AND BULGARIA

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 884, 2 August 1910, Page 5

TURKEY AND BULGARIA

HOSTILITIES THREATENED. By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. Sofia, July 30. There is a growing feeling of bitterness in Bulgaria against Turkey's treatment of the large Bulgarian populations in the Turkish province of llacedouia. The Bulgarians of Macedonia actively participated in- the revolt against tho misrule of Abdul Ilamid, aud they coinplain that the young Turks have not ken treating them fairly since their accession to power. Many refugees, who have returned to Bulgaria, allege that the Turkish troops ill-treated them in connection with the disarming operations which are being carried out in Macedonia. Bulgaria threatens to mobilise her troops; and meanwhile six Bulgarian bands have entered Macedonia with tho object of stirring up an insurrection. MUSSULMAN V. CHRISTIAN. . One of the questions at present engaging the attention of the Bulgarian authorities (said the "Morning Post" in June) is the settling of Mohammedan immigrants in certain districts ot Macedonia and of tho vilayet of Adrianople. These districts were abandoned by tue Bulgarians owing to the persecution to which they were, subjected under the old regime. In this connection, the "Preporetz," a Government organ, says that the Mohammedan immigrants have always been the terror of the Bulgarian population both in Macedonia and in the vilayet of Adrianople, and were also one of the principal causes which determined the Bulgarian population to revolt. Tho "Preporetz" adds that tho present Ottoman Government is systematically buying up land on which to settle the Mussulman immigrants, thns compelling the Bulgarian population to leave their homes and establish themselves in B.ulgaria, a course which is not desirable from Bulgaria's point of view. Bulgaria, proceeds the journal, is merely fulfilling a friendly duty towards Turkey in opposing this policy, of colonisation by Mussulman immigrants, which might easily bring about a fresh flight into Bulgaria of the Bulgarian element in Macedonia and in the vilayet of Adrianople.'