BRITISH OFFER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 282, 27 November 1940, Page 7

BRITISH OFFER.

BULGARIA'S POSITION. Guarantee Independence In Peace Settlement. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Reod. 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 20. Mr. R. A. Butler, Foreign UnderSecretary, in the House of Commons, said that provided Bulgaria does not join or assist Britain's enemies, the British Government intends to do its utmost to ensure that any eventual peace settlement shall fully respect Bulgaria's integrity and independence. The Sofia correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says it is authoritatively stated that Russia and Bulgaria discusscd the "general situation."

Nazi and Communist university students in Sofia battled with chairs after the Nazis attempted to distribute leaflets claiming an outlet to the Aegean for Bulgaria. Numerous arrests were made.

Berlin radio announced that the Bulgarian Minister to Berlin had returned to .Sofia to confer with the Government.

The radio also stated that neutral circles in Ankara had noticed a remarkable relaxation in political tension on Tuesday, adding that this development was connected with the conversation between von Papen and M. Sarajoglu, Turkish Foreign Minister.

Informed quarters in Sofia endorse the German view that Bulgaria will not join the Axis, says an earlier message. It is authoritatively stated that it now appears certain that Bulgaria will not be involved in the war this winter. The visit of the Frime Minister and Foreign Minister, Professor Fiioff and M. Popoff, to Berlin, was cancelled apparently as the result of successful insistence by Bulgaria that she would, be unable to move before the clarification of the attitudes of Russia and Turkey.

King Boris yesterday received high visitors from Russia, including the First Secretary of the Soviet Foreign Ottice. The King also received the United States Ambassador to Bulgaria. Mr. Lawrence Steinhardt. The visitors were also received by the Bulgarian Prime Minister. Mr. Steinhardt said he was convinced of Bulgaria's intention to stay out of the war and not join the (ierman-Italian-Japanese pact.