THE WAR SITUATION.

Taihape Daily Times, 2 October 1918, Page 5

THE WAR SITUATION.

BULGARIA'S WITHDRAWAL. AMERICAN OPINION. FAR REACHING EFFECTS EXPECTED. TURKEY’S DEFECTION "ONLY A MATTER OP DAYS. Received 8.45 a.m. NEW YORK, Sept 30. There is tremendous interest in the Bulgarian situation. Enthusiastic crowds rapidly bought up special editions of the evening newspapers. The news was reflected in Wall Street, where there is an upward movement, of stocks, especially industrials. The general opinion was that the news brought peace measurably nearer. The ‘Times” Washington correspondent says that Panaretoff, Bulgarian Ambassador, interviewed, said the Bulgarian people have confidence in the just decision of the United States and its associated Governments, The correspondent adds; American and Allied officials regard the capitulation of Bulgaria as the most important international and political development in the war since the collapse off Russia and the elimination of Rumania. Military officials think Bulgaria’s acceptance of the Allied terms will produce far-reaching effects on the military situation in the Near East. The “Times” says editorially: “It matters not if Ferdinand secretly pledges loyalty to the Central Powers, his people have decided that Bulgaria has had enough of the war. Regarding Ferdinand’s fidelity to principle, he is a notoriously false-hearted dissembler and trickster. He will boar watching, but in the present temper of the people he is impotent to betray them again. With Turkey out of the war, which seems only a question of days, the Sea of Marmora will be open to the fleets of the Western Allies, thus enabling the arming of Rumania against Bolsheviks. Germany’s military powder is crumbling, and Germany now knows what it is to have the whole civilised world i battle array against her. " Germany’s doom as an insatiate military Power has sounded, and her policy of domln>ating the world is collapsing like a Bouse of cards. Received 11.15 a.m. NEW YORK October 1.

The New York Tribune in an editorial says: ‘'Strategically Bulgaria was the keystone to the Pan-German bridge into Asia; that bridge is now in ruins. Bulgaria's abandonment of the, German alliance ‘undoes at one stroke all Germany’s Eastern triumphs One immediate military result will be the shifting of the Salonika front to the Da73ubc. ”

The New York World says: The collapse of Bulgaria is triumph to all_ The United States and her allies should redouble their effort to win the war quickly. At las,t w r e can say confidently and certainly that the war is being won. With B'ulgaria out of the conflict it cannot last long.

The Now York Sun remarks. With Bulgaria out of the war it is now only a question whether Austria or Turkey will be the first to crawl out from the ruins. The New York Herald- declares that Bulgaria’s break with Germany is the most tremendous event of the war since Russia withdrew. Its effect upon Germany will be vastly more serious than was Russia’s debacle. It is certain that Austria or Turkey will soon follow Bulgaria’s steps

AUSTRIA FORCING GERMANY’S HAND. LONDON, Sept 30. The “Daily News” Hague correspondent states, on the authority of a well known diplomatic source, that the German Government now realises the imperative importance of securing peace. The conviction is spreading in favour of a formal declaration embodying President Wilson’s proposals. This does not mean that certain action will be taken immediately, owing to military and diplomatic circles being still determined to fight on. It is recognised that Austria’s action has made the situation more difficult. She is resolved to obtain peace at whatever cost. AMSTERDAM, Sept 30. Bulgaria’s collapse was received with consternation in Berlin, especially in financial and commercial circles.