THE BALKANS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 124, 7 March 1941, Page 5

THE BALKANS

SECOND PHASE OF SITUATION. THE GERMAN INTENTIONS. THREAT TO GREECE AND TURKEY (United Press Association—Copyright.. LONDON, March 6. The situation in the Balkans may now be said to have entered its second phase. The first phase ended yesterday with tho breaking off of diplomatic relations between Britain and Bulgaria and the successful conclusion of the talks which the British Foreign Secretary (Mr B. A. Eden) and the Chief of the Imperial General Staff (Sir John Dill) have been conducting with the leaders of Turkey and Greece. These talks provide a counter-stroke to the German occupation of Bulgaria. At the moment, the picture of events in Bulgaria is still somewhat obscure, but two important facts stand out. The Germans have made it clear what their intentions are. It is clear that the occupation of Bulgaria, is a threat not only to the British forces hut to Greece and Turkey also. It is clear, too, that Herr Hitler is puzzled by the British moves. No details have been permitted to leak out about the talks which Mr Eden and Sir John Dill have had with the Greek authorities, but a brief official communique announced that complete agreement had been reached. The situation in the Balkans had been thoroughly reviewed, the communique said, and it had been agreed that all efforts would bo made toward preventing an extension of the war. Russia’s Third Note to Bulgaria. The Turkish press has attached some importance to the fact that Moscow radio has seen fit to broadcast the Russian Note to Bulgaria for the third time. This Note sharply criticised Bulgaria’s acceptance of Germany’s move. The contents of Hitler’s message to the President of Turkey (General Inonu) have been kept secret, but what slight interest was shown in it in Turkey has now faded. In Ankara, Germany is reported to have offered to replace Britain as Turkey’s guarantee against Russia. ’Meanwhile, tho Axis continues to pour out threats aimed at Greece. The Stavanger radio, which is under German control, announces that German troops are only 60 miles from Salonika and that an advance would be difficult to stop if once begun. • Radio Paris, which is also under German control, has put out the story that imaginary bribes have been offered to the Greek Government by Mr Eden, and that the Greek Government does not understand its true interests. Axis sources also state that there aro a largo number of British troops in Greece and that Germany and Italy are preparing their defences against British'aggression. This story has been put out twice by tho Axis propaganda machine and- has been flatly denied by tho Greek news agency. Mr Eden’s Message to Greeks. Signor Gayda, the Italian publicist, claimed that almost a complete division of Canadians have landed in Salonika. After talks with tlie Greek authorities, Mr Eden expressed admiration for tho heroic resistance of the Gr,eelt Army and the Greek Prime Minister (M. Korizis) expressed the deep gratitude of tho Greek Government and people for the valuable help given by Great Britain to Greece. Mr Eden issued a message to the Greek people, in which ho said that ho and General Dill were deeply moved by tlio welcome given them in Greece. Like all Englishmen, for many months they had watched tho heroic Greek resistance to the brutal attack of the Italians, and had watched tho feats of arms carefully prepared by tlie Greek leaders and courageously carried out by the men of the Army, Air Force, and Navy. They had seen for themselves the spirit of resolution which affected every man and woman in Greece. In Athens 2300 years ago, added Mr Eden, it had been said that the secret of happiness was freedom, and that the secret of freedom was courage. “You are giving new life to this great tradition,” he declared. “We in England are proud that the British Navy and Air Force have had the privilege of contributing to your magnificent victory. Wo shall not rest or falter until final victory lias been won.” Germans in Bulgaria. There is no definite information of tho number of German troops in Bulgaria. Berlin is silent on the point, but the Rome radio declares that the number is colossal. A message from Belgrade, which must be treated with reserve, states that of 17 German divisions in Rumania, five have already gone into Bulgaria. Reuter's correspondent, who has arrived at Belgrade, said that miles of German mechanised divisions were moving through Bulgaria. These were supported by large* squadrons of the air force. Peasants along tlio roadside watched the columns silently ,obviously fearing that tho destruction of their homes was imminent. They also have in mind the probability of an acute food shortage resulting from the demands of the German army. German police have already established themselves in many of the principal towns and aro behaving with their usual arrogance. The Gestapo is already in tho capital. Telephone communication with Sofia is subject to interruption and delays. An American correspondent was cut off in tlio middle of telephoning his dispatch to Switzerland.