PEACE OVERTURES.

Taihape Daily Times, 1 October 1918, Page 6

PEACE OVERTURES.

IS BULGARIA SINCERE? WASHINGTON, Sept 28. , The' New York “Times” Washing- j ton correspondent says: Opinion regarding the sincerity of the Bulgarian armistice request is divided in official circles. Many high officials believe that the plea is not intended to be part of Germany’s peace offensive. Allied diplomats were expected a move by Bulgaria which was precipitated by Germany’s refusal to send reinforcements to the Bulgarian army. According to well-informed persons, M. Malinoff started separate steps immediately after Germany’s refusal.^ Serbian and Greek diplomatic cycles are inclined to regard the Bulgarina action as an intrigue to gain timt. ALLIED OFFICIAL VIEW. LONDON, Sept 28. It is understood the view in official circles is that peace with Bulgaria would have a prodigious effect, especially with Turkey. It would free the whole of the Salonika army, and, in certain eventualities in "Connection with Turkey, would also free the Palestine and Mesopotamia armies, and | kill the German menace to the East. Moreover, it would probably affect advantageously the world’s food situaThese results can only he obtainable by a complete rupture of the political and military relations of Bulgaria with the Central Powers, and the Allied occupation of communications between Bulgaria and Austro-Hun-gary. Presumably this will be one of the essentials of the armistice. PARIS, Sept 29. Later information regarding the Bulgarian situation states that a high Bulgarian officer brought a letter to the British Commander-in-Chief from the Bulgar Generalissimo, asking for 48 hours’ suspension of hostilities, mentioning that Bulgaria proposed to send the Minister of Finance and. the Commander of the Second Army on behalf of the Government, with King Ferdinand’s approval, to discuss the terms of an armistice, TEUTONS DEFINITELY ABANDONED, WASHINGTON, Sept 28. The Bulgarian Minister (M. Panateroff) asserts that Bulgaria has definitely decided to abandon the Teutons. If the Allies refuse to consider the Bulgarian proposals, Bulgaria will appeal to the United States to use its good offices. Bulgaria’s claims are recognisable with those President Wilson laid down. The Bulgaks never took exception to those principles and Bulgaria was willing to allow President Wilson to settle them and abide by his decision. Bulgaria was satisfied that Serbia must have an Adriatic outlet.' »