MOVING SOUTH

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

MOVING SOUTH

GERMAN TROOPS IN BULGARIA. “SOLID MILES OF MATERIAL.” ESTIMATED AIR STRENGTH. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, Mar. 5. Axis sources have put out reports that the German forces in the south of Bulgaria are colossal, and it has been suggested through various channels that an attack against Greece can bo expected at any hour. Eye-witnesses have described the passage by the three main routes southward across Bulgaria of “solid masses” of mechanised units and material. Certainly troops, including very heavy mechanised units, have continued unceasingly by air, road and rail. All the vehicles are camouflaged, against attack from the air. One estimate places the German air strength in Bulgaria at 1000 bombers, 600 fighters and 100 reconnaissance machines, with a similar number in Rumania. The Rome radio said Germany’s heavy guns now dominate the Greek frontier. The Greeks have pressed on theii defensive preparations in the mountain passes from Bulgaria. Twelve German divisions, totalling about 150,000 men, are reported to bo massed on the Greek frontier. Tho Bulgarian army has assumed control of the radio and of the telephones and telegraphs. Bulgaria has called iip men between the ages of 16 and 45, and women between the ages of 20 and 50 in eight cities, including Sofia, for civilian defence. There is no clarification of the attitude of Russia and Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia, has called up the 1891 to 1919 classes, officially for normal spring manoeuvres. The Russian Note. Russia’s Note to Bulgaria is now reaching Bulgarians through Bulgarian Communists, who have been distributing the full text, but the distribution has been limited because of the imprisonment of most Communists since the Germans began to move. Tko Istanbul correspondent of the “Daily Mail.” says Russia’s statement links up with information from one in close touch with the British Ambassador in Moscow (Sir Stafford Cripps), that a great change is stated to have occurred in. the attitude of the Soviet since Germany’s intentions in Bulgaria became obvious and the occupation of Bulgaria lias stiffened Russia’s attitude beyond belief. It seems certain that Sir Stafford Cripps was able to bring assurances to Turkey that in the event of hostilities Turkey would have nothing to fear from Russia. ' From Ankara it is reported that the newspaper “Ulus” says: “One must go beyond tho text of tho Soviet communique. Russia, of course, was aware of the German preparations on the Danube for months. The question is: ‘Would Germany have used forco if Bulgaria* had resisted?’ The answer is no. Tims, Bulgaria bears tho responsibility for spreading the war in the Balkans.” From Istanbul, it is reported that German infantrymen are within 15 miles of Svilengrad, a. small Bulgarian town on the frontier between Turkey and Bulgaria. A Belgrade report says several ar,Tests, were made after severe damage bad been caused to the waterworks in Sofia.