BULGARIA AND THE RUSSIAN ULTIMATUM

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2585, 6 October 1915, Page 5

BULGARIA AND THE RUSSIAN ULTIMATUM

AUSTRO-GERMAN MENACE ' ALLIES LAND TROOPS IN GREECE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrizlii / . London, October 4. • Tho Balkans is the all-absorbing topic in London, interest being transferred from the British offensive in the West. . The Russian ultimatum to Bulgaria expired at 2 o'clock this afternoon, London time, and the evening papers awaited the news with the most intense eagerness.- ' - . - . . - .' The newspapers discuss the result in the event of Bulgaria partaking in the war, and publish frontier maps and special* articles showing the strength of the Balkan States. . . • -

■ A Bulgarian official message, dated September 30, denies the arrival of German officers. None are helping in the administration. of the railways or the army. 1 MMtadoslavoff (the Bulgarian Premier) states that the political position of the past two years has not been shaken.

NO NEWS OF BULGARIA'S REPLY.

(Rec.' October 5, 10 p.m.)

1 ' London, October 5. • Reuter's agent learns that at a late hour on Monday no reply to the Russian ultimatum had been received from Bulgaria. ; Owing to recent developments, the Bulgarian Government must be taken to have rejected the Allies' proposals, to which no answer has been returned. Consequently the proposals have lapsed. '

THE LANDING OF THE ALLIES' ARMIES

'PROSPECT OF POWERFUL ASSISTANCE APPRECIATED. ' 1 Rome, October 4. . 'Advices from Bucharest report that there is the greatest activity in Rumania. Precautionary military measures are being taken on 'all the irontiers. ; . '••' ' i "II Secolo" states that the Rumanian Government is greatly impressed ■by the possibility of hundreds of thousands of Entente armies landing in the Balkans. . • • ■■' Paris, October 4. The "Matin's" corerspohdent's announcement,.that the landing of Allied troops at Salonika has been definitely decidod created extreme satisfaction in Italv, where the pro'spect of so turbulent a. Powe'r.as. Bulgaria establishing itself in the Adriatic could not leave; Italy indifferqnt.; :; : r . ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.');;'''. London, October 4. ■ The "Echo de Paris" states that the British and French are in complete agreement on the Balkans situation, and military /measures have : been prepared. : I " ■ . : "Lo Temps" is informed from a wen-informed source that a definite agree-ment-has. been concluded betweu Bulgaria and the Central Towers. There are eighty thousand. Austro-Germati troops on the Serbian frontier, . with: an, enormous'concentration behind. , . ' • ' . ■. The Duke of Mecklenburg is said to have succeeded in overcoming the difficulties. ! , ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. October o, 6.5 p.m.) 1 London, October 4. The "Times's" correspondent at Sofia says that it is believed that the 'Allies are unanimous as to ..what steps will be taken .should Germany endeavour to establish military communication'.with Turkey through the Balkans.- - , '' ' GREECE PROTESTS PRO FORMA AGAINST THE LANDINC. . (Rec. October 5, 10 p.m.) , v Athens, October 5. The projected landing of troops at Salonika has arousqd'public uneasiness, .necessitating action by the British and 'French Ministers, . who are'issuing declarations. The Ministers point out that theYAllies have a mission to defend the railway against Bulgaria, and succour Serbia, and will co-operate:with Greece : if the latter joins the combatants. 1 The : Greek Government has issued a formal, protost akginst the landing. The public/accepts the landing as a necessary step, 'though they regrot that it could not havo been avoided. ' . : ' V;

A well-known -Greek politician states that a protest pro forma could have been avoided if some mistakes had not been committed. It would be absurd to compare the landing with the German violation of . .Belgian neutrality. Complete unanimity exists in regard to the governing factors in the situation; If Bulgaria attacks Serbia, Greece will go to; the assistance of the Allies. •

ALLIES LAND TROOPS AT SALONIKA

The High Commissioner reports:—

i _ London, October 5, 5.55 a.m., The "Morning Post's" Athens correspondent states that the Allied forces, have landed at Salonika.

- NO QUESTION OF GREEK RESISTANCE. (Hcc. October 6, 0.35 a.m.) Athens, October o. The "Patris," the cliief Government organ, states that any attempt to resist the disembarkation of the Anglo-French troops would not be approved by the Greek people. "The Central Powers," it says, "hare-no right to.take exception to Greece's attitude, since Greece has formally protested against the violation of her neutrality. Resistance would expose Greece to certain destruction. The Greek people arc-not failing to manifest feelings of gratitude and traditional sympathy at. the prospect of the Anglo-French'landing." . 'GERMAN PRESS COMMENT. (Rec. October 6, 0.50 a.m.), • Berlin, October 5. The "Frankfurter Zeitung" says that England's threats to land on Salonika are attempts to frighten Greece which cannot take them seriously. It is impossible to see where the Entente Powers could get 150,000 troops to land,- and if they attempted it Greece would have an urgent interest in preventing the landing. Where England plants her feet sne generally stays. The "Kreuz Zeitung" scoffs at the idea of 150,000 troops landing in support of Serbia. ; ; ' GREEK CONTROL OP MACEDONIAN RAILWAYS Athens, October 4. .The Government has taken possession of three railway lines in Macedonia, two of which are worked by Austrian companies' and one by a French Company. . 1 " 1 Greek newspapers refer in a. moderate tone to the proposed landing at Salonika. It is generally realised that it would be best to passively let events take their course, in view of the Allies' consistently friendly interest in Greece. Six German aviators have arrived at Sofia, and skilled labourers are leaving Constantinople in groups for Bulgaria. v EXASPERATION AGAINST- BULGARIA, .("Times" aQ d Sydney."Sun" Services.) . • (Rec. October 5, 5.5 p.m.) . . London, October 4. M.. Venizelos (the Greek Premier), aware of the danger of frontier incidents, lias withdrawn the Greek troops a short distance in from the frontier. Tho "Times's" correspondent at Salonika says that public exasperation against Bulgaria is; acute 'and universal. A disagreeable impression was created by the'publication of garbled summaries of Sir Edward Grey's speech, which were posted at street corners and published in the pro-German Press. These were .replaced ( later by accurate reports, making it clear that Britain would not tolerate hostilities against; Serbia. ■ PRELIMINARY VIEW OF THE CAMPAIGN (Rec. October 6, 0.35 a.m.) London, October 5. The landing of the Anglo-French Balkan Expeditionary Force has not yet been officially- announced,, but froin Greek newspaper comment there is a clear assumption that the landing is either in progress or has been completed. It is generally expected that tho Allies will occupy Dedeagatch, and that the Russians will descend on Varna and Burgas (Bulgarian Black Sea ports)., where it will-be easy to disperse the few Bulgarian-torpedo craft which are there. 'Russian has organised sufficient tonnage for the transport of her expeditionary force to Varna. Even a feint to put troops a ashore would detain a large Bulgarian army' which otherwise .would he ( aVailablo for service against Serbia. • GENERAL VON MACKENSEN MARCHES SOUTH

MOVEMENT OF LARGE AUSTHO-GEEMAN ARMY REPORTED,

- - " Bucharest, October 4. A: traveller from Hungary reports that a quarter of a million troops and 2000 guns are advancing towards Servia, under General von Mackensen's command, y

A correspondent of the newspaper "Epoca" states that Austro-German artillery moving .towards Serbia includes 17-inch guns. :It is expected that General von Mackensen will establish his headquarters at Versecz, fifty miles north-east of• Belgrade. . '<

■ ■ Rome, October 4. The "Gorriere Delia Sera" says that General von Mackensen has arrived at Temesvar. It is. reported that a hundred thousand men have been transferred from Bukbwina to the Serbian frontier, and. that Germany is withdrawing large forces from the Carpathians, leaving a small nucleus. Russia will shortly send 20,000 troops to the assistance of Serbia. ; • .

(Rec. October 5, 10 p.m.)

. Rome, October 4. The "Messagero's" Bucharest correspondent states that General Savoff has gone to Berlin to explain the situation of the Bulgarian-army, and to ask Germany, for immediate military support... -

RUMANIAN FISHERMEN FIRED ON,

(Rec. October 5j 8.55 p.m.}

' ■ Bucharest, October 4. A Bulgarian patrol opposite Zimmitzu on Tuesday harmlessly, fired on some Rumanian fishermen, in Rumanian, waters. " : -.'

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS IN BULGAR CAPITAL

SOFIA :PRACTICALLY: UNDER MARTIAL LAW.

London, October 4. The Paris "Temps" states that Sofia is practically under martial lair. The price of bread 1 has been fixed, and meetings are prohibited. The Municipal Council decided to name the throe principal squares in Sofia "Berlin," "Budapest,", and "Vienna," while .German and Bulgarian songs are sung in the cafes. .1 Payments- are made , in marks, and many other signs of Teutonisatiori are apparent. _ • ' - The "Petit Parisien" 6tates that a traveller from Bulgaria says the rulers in Sofia are fooling the public by one day issuing proclamations that the army is. going 'to march against Turkey, and the next day proclaiming that the mobilisation is" against Vienna. ■ The paper's Sofia correspondent says that Germany, in order to obtain the intervention of Bulgaria, guaranteed the neutrality of Greece and Rumania, without really knowing the attitude of either. It is reported that Germany 'is r allowing Bulgaria a. monthly indemnity of 50,000,000 marks. i ("Times" and Sydney "Sun!' Services.) . - .

(Rec. October 5, 5.5' p.m.)

• ' .I London, October 4, M. Malinoff refuses to enter the Bulgarian Cabinet un]ess the Government's foreign policy is in favour of;the_ Allies. , The pro-German duress'is endeavouring to soothe public., apprehensions, affirming that Greece is ' disposed ; tp"- adopt a friendly attitude towards Bui-' garia, ;■ • ■

RUSSIAN SQUADRONS THREATENING VARNA '

- Roma, October 4. The "Tribuna" States that two powerful Russian squadrons are threatening the Bulgarian Black Saa port of Varn&. '

(Reo. October >5, 8.55 p.m.)

' »'• New York, October 4. A' message from, Petrograd states that a fully-equipped Russian equadroa has left Odessa under sealed orders. It is' presumed that Russia is preparing to attack Bulgaria fry sea and land. The coastal ■ waters are known .to be mined.

BEARDING THE LION IN HIS DEN

KING FERDINAND HEARS SOME CANDID OPINIONS'

POLITICAL LEADERS AT THE PALACE.

(Rec. October 5, 8,55 p.m.)

- London, October 4. The "Daily-Telegraph's" Rome correspondent has secured a verbatim report of the'2i hours' interview which the leaders of the five pblitioal parties representing t,he Bulgarian Opposition had with the King, thb Grown Pi-ince, and M. the King's chief counsellor.. ; * ' ' The-deputation'urged that it would be,fatal to adopt a neutral attitude, and recommended a.; Coalition Cabinet and the immediate summoning of the Sohranje, to safeguard the country against a policy contrary to the interests arid sentiments of the nation; _ _ . : M. Malinoff, the Democratic leader, addressing the King, said that the Government's policy was to throw : Bulgaria into the arms of Germany, contrary to tho aspirations and interests of the country. "If," lie said, "the Government.obstinately cafttiiui'es in this course, it will provoke disturbances of the greatest gravity." ' • ' The King did not reply. , - ' ' •' ' 51. Stambulivski, representing the Agrarians, said: "Speaking on behalf of every, farmer in. Bulgaria, I hold the King personally responsible for our disastrous adventure of 1913; if will be irreparable if the adventure isirepeated, and the nation will not hesitate to call you personally, to account." •j M. Zanoff, loador of the Radicals, said: "I lind sworn never-again to-set foot in your palace, but tho interests of my country compel me to proteot. it at this juncture." M. Gueshoff,. tho former Premier, supported tlio protests. AU tlie leaders handed in written communications summing, up their views, and awaited ilie King's reply. After some time King Ferdinand roso, and said: "Gentlemen, I have been enlivened by your threats. I will refer tham to tho President of the Council of Ministers. He will decide what to do."

A chilly silence followed. The King, pacing to and fro nervously, attempted to cliango the conversation. M. Zanoff'abruptly intervened: "We cannot on any account," ho said, "approvo of an anti-Russian policy. If Bulgaria repeats her criminal folly, of 1913, it will ho a premeditated crime, deserving of punishment." The King replied, frigidly: "The policy which I havo decided to follow is that which I consider host for the welfare of tho country."

M. Stambulivski rotortcd: "It is a policy which can only bring misfortuno, and compromise not only the futuro ol the'country hut your dynasty. It may cost you your head!" King .'Ferdinand, nstonisbed: "Don't mind my head. It is already old. Rather mind your own." •

Tho disaster of 1013, referred to in the above interview, was the Second Balkan War, "for which Bulgaria was responsible. Soon after the conclusion of .the.Peuce Conference of London,, which marked . the termination of .the km; hfttww tlit Jiiilkau AJliiUics aiid lurkojjs-.the First Balkan .War—Bulgaria,

at the beginning of July, suddenly hostilities against her former Allies—Servia, Greece, and Montenegro—and after a short, violent, and sanguinary campaign, ivas forced on July 10, 1913,_ to sue for peace. What sort of a figure Bulgaria cut in the eyes of the nations can best he expressed in the language of the London "Times" of that period: "Less than a month ago Bulgaria stood at tlis zenith of her military fame. If her star now Sets for k time, wo must attribute her disasters to their right cause—namelv, unprincipled and impudent diplomacy." As the result of her action, Bulgaria, which had taken the lion's share of the-fighting in the war against the ftirks, was forced, in the territorial adjustments agreed upon under the Treaty of Bucharest, to accept proportionately smaller than were allotted to her late Allies, and she has been sore ever since."-

A MOURNFUL AND TRAGIC SPECTACLE,

("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.)

(Rec. October 5, 5.5 p.m.)

... London, October 4. The "Times," in a leader on the Balkan situation, says: "Russia has taken the only possible course in issuing her ultimatum. We fear that this stem - protest will not deter Bulgaria's ruler and his pliapt Ministers from pursuing their course and violating the whole spirit of their neutrality. The brief history of modern Bulgaria in the Balkans is a sad story. There has been no more mournful or tragio sight tliau the preparations of Bulgaria to shatter every prospect of Balkan unity, and march to battle beside tlie Turks, who have oppressed the Bulgarian .race for five hundred years. The path which Bulgaria has taken spells suicide."

WHAT THE TURKS THINK ABOUT IT

DARDANELLES "THE TOMB OF THE ALLIES."

(Rec. October 5, 5.5 p.m.)

( _ _ London, October 4. The Turkish Press unanimously hails Bulgaria's mobilisation as expressive of a determination to take immediate action,to remedy the injustice of the Treaty of Bucharest. At a meeting of the Turkish Chamber the Vice-President said that events were tending to justify Sali Bey's prediction that the Dardanelles would prove to he the Allies' tomb. The Tuvks_ are believed to have evacuated Enos in consequence of the discovery of a widespread plot, organised by the Macedonian Committee at Sofia. There have been numerous arrests. SEQUEL TO TURCO-BULGARIAN AGREEMENT. Athens, October 4. Immediately the Turco-Bulgarian 'agreement was signed, Turkfey. evaouated tho fortresses on the Bulgarian frontier, and transferred 80,000 troops, most- * ly untrained recruits, to a fortified line between the capital and the Dardanelles. « M. Radoslavoff (Premier, of Bulgaria) told a prominent politician: "It is bettor for us not to gain an inch of territory than to see tlio extension of Greece and Serbia."