CRISIS IN BULGARIA

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 202, 24 May 1944, Page 7

CRISIS IN BULGARIA

Notes From Both Russia . And Reich (Received May 23, 7 p.m.) LONDON. May 22.

A “Daily Telegraph” correspondent “somewhere in Europe” reports that the Bulgarian Government has resigned 24 hours after receiving a Russian Note, The Bulgarian Council of Regency has refused an invitation to confer with Hitler at Berchtesgaden. The “New York Times” Berne correspondent says Bulgaria has received virtual ultimatums from both Russia and Germany. The Germans demand an immediate rupture of diplomatic relations with Russia, while Russia seeks clarification of Bulgaria's official’attitude. The Bulgarian Regency Council nominated Bogdan Filov for the journey to Berchtesgaden, but the Germans rejected him, suggesting the other Regent, Prince Cyril, who refused the invitation, after which relations between Germany and Bulgaria deteriorated considerably. German diplomats indicated that the Nazis were’ preparing for a war of nerves with the forces still available in Bulgaria.

Sensational developments are expected soon in Bulgaria, says Reuter’s Geneva correspondent. According to reports from foreign diplomatic sources, Bulgarian public sentiment, which was previously apathetic, is now violently antiGerman. The Bulgarian Arnjy, including a majority of-.the high-ranking officer?, is reported to share the public opinion. Another message says the political situation in Bulgaria is still obscure, bijt it is reported that the pro-Nazi Government has thrown in its hand, and a Stockholm correspondent quotes one report that a successor has still not been found. The Russian Press quotes a report that th-e Germans are strengthening Bulgarin’s Black Sea defences, and that Bulgaria lias sent more troops to release Germans from the Russian front.