SOVIET SLATES BULGARIA

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 136, 5 March 1941, Page 9

SOVIET SLATES BULGARIA

Turkish, Greek Border Forces Increased LONDON, March 4. A German aeroplane landed at Istanbul ( 1 urkey) yesterday, carrying, it is believed, a courier with a special message from Herr Hitler to President Inonu (reports the 8.8. C.). The plane is expected at Ankara today and the German Embassy has asked for special landing facilities. The message is variously rumoured to contain bribes and threats from Germany. It is generally agreed that Germany is by no means happy at the temper of Turkey. Ankara radio in a broadcast last night described the occupation of Bulgaria as yet another murder of a small country’s freedom. . The Moscow radio (reports the Press Association) yesterday stated that the Foreign Minister M. M'olotov’s deputy, M. Vishinsky, handed to the Bulgarian Minister in Moscow a Note sharply criticizing Bulgaria’s acceptance of the Germans’ move and declaring that the Soviet Union believes it will mean a spreading of the war and involvement of Bulgaria. The Note was broadcast to Bulgaria in Bulgarian. The Russians have announced a strengthening of the Black Sea navy and said that spring manoeuvres in conjunction with the air force would begin soon. The concentration of German troops continues on the Greek frontier, and detachments today arrived at Kulata and Nevrokop, south-west Bulgaria. German long-range bombers and fighters have gone to Bulgaria for Black Sea patrols. Turkey and Greece have strengthened their defences as the German hordes have poured over Bulgaria and occupied large encampments at all strategic points throughout the country, including the Turkish frontier. The Ankara correspondent of “The Times’’ says Germany is preparing to carry the war into regions that are vital to the Turkish interests. The question is not whether Turkey will fulfil her obligations but when and how. Mr. Eden and General Dill told the Turks frankly the British military possibilities in each theatre of war, and the Turks equally frankly explained the possibilities of assisting the Allied cause offensively and defensively. The Greek Minister in Sofia asked King Boris for a declaraton of Bulgaria’s attitude toward Greece. The Greek Legation officials indicated, however, that they would not place much reliance in such a declaration, and the legation is ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

After reaching complete agreement with the Turkish leaders Mr. Eden and General Dill yesterday began talks with the military and political leaders in Greece. From early yesterday morning the streets of Athens had been decorated with the British and Greek flags, and every road along which Mr. Eden was likely to pass was lined with dense crowds. He was cheered enthusiastically, and a band struck up “Tipperary." During the morning he received the Turkish and United States Ministers, and with General Dill he was entertained to luncheon by the Greek Premier, M. Korizis. Today he will be the guest of honour at dinner at the Royal Palace.