BULGARS IN GREECE

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 127, 30 May 1916, Page 7

BULGARS IN GREECE

EXTRAORDINARY INVASION

IMPORTANT STRATEGIC POSITIONS TAKEN OVER '

ATHENS, 23th May.

The Bulgarian troops crossed the frontier at 3 o'clock in the morning? The German and Bulgar superior oliicers informed tiie Greek commander that they were obliged to seize the Itupel fort in order to ensure the Bulgarian left against attack by the Allies. They added that they would occupy nil the forts in the Demirhissar region, which the Greeks had recently constructed to protect the sector against a Bulgar invasion. - . ■ Other forces of Bulgars occupied the Dervendu defile, invaded the plain west of the Struma, and are now marching on Kavala.

Later reports state that the Bulgars have occupied four more forts, includiii" Fort Cragotine, and have also reached Spatovo. There are considerable movements of Bulgars in the Oxilar sector. Engineers are bridging the Mesta. . . .

Reports from Salonika state that the Eupel Pass is practically the key to the plain of Seres, on the Demirhissar, and constitutes the "neck of the bottle." The Struma Valley is also the most direct route to Sofia. The commander of the Kula position, unable to bear the mortification of seeing the Bulgars invade Greece, did not obey the local general's orders, but opened fire. The Bulgarians returned the fire, but did not advance, When categorical orders from Athens were received the G^flefagjsvicuaJigd Kula.

Only a German division remains on the Salonika front, but the Bulgarians have been stiffened with a proportion of German officers and non-commissioned offi"NO OTHER COURSE WAS POSSIBLE." ATHENS, 29th May. It is semi-officially stated that the Greek Government, in consideration of the concessions made to the Entente Allies, and of its desire for the observance of strict neutrality, consented to the occupation of the fortress at Eupel by the Bulgarians. The statement adds : "The Germans and Bulgars have signed an agreement to restore the fortress and the guns and material when there is no longer any reason to justify its occupation. The Government will shortly issue a communique pointing out that no other course was possible, since the Germans had threatened to force the position, and hostilities would inevitably have followed. The concession is analogous to the facilities already accorded to the Entente Powers, and it would be incompatible with Greek neutrality to make any distinction between the belligerents." The Venizelist newspapers publish the strongest articles denouncing the invasion. "WHY IS THE GREEK ARMY MQBiLISED?" ATHENS; 29th May. The Greek population of Macedonia is- indignant at the operations of the enemy's airmen and at the Bulgar invasion. Adherents of the Government are joining the Venizelists in denouncing the policy of opening Macedonia to the hereditary and implacable enemies of the nation. The Venizelist newspapers are appearing with black borders. Kyrix, the .Venezelois journal, asks : "Why is the- Greek Army mobilised "■ DEMONSTRATIONS IN SALONIKA. (Received May 30, 10 a.m.) SALONIKA, 29th May. A Bulgarian division from Xanthi is rapidly approaching Nestos. Bridge. A brigade is advancing in the Struma Valley from Petritch. Uhlans have occupied the Demirhissar railway station. It is believed the Greek garrison has evacuated Demirhissar. The presence of Bulgar and German patrols in the Demirhissar region has compelled the French to discontinue the motor service supplying the Greeks in eastern Macedonia. The Greeks in North-eastern Macedonia are falling back on Virria. The Servians are claiming the privilege of fighting in the Allies' front rank. A huge gathering in St. Sophia-square, Salonika, held an anti-Bulgarian demonstration. Strong speeches were made, denouncing the Premier. The crowd cheered M. Venizelos and the Allies, and telegraphed to the King, protesting against the abandonment of forts built with the blood of martyrs. The crowd tried to wreck a cafe, where a number of Greek soldiers cheered the Germans. French gendarmes assisted in keeping off the crowd. SUBMARINE ATTAGKS ON GREEK SHIPS. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) ATHENS, 29th May. Great indignation prevails over the submarine attacks on Greek steamers. Fifteen vessels have been sunk, totalling 40,000 tons. The seizure of AustroGerman steamers now lying in Greek ports is urged if no indemnity is forthcoming for the losses sustained.