STRICT NEUTRALITY

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 157, 31 December 1940, Page 7

STRICT NEUTRALITY

BULGARIA HOLDS FIRM

NOT AFRAID TO FIGHT

BALKAN SITUATION

LONDON? December 30.

The determination of the Bulgarian Government not to divert from its policy of strict neutrality in spite of advice from outside was affirmed by the Bulgarian Foreign Minister in Parliament today. He was replying to an ex-Minister, who had asked the Government to define its policy, and he said: "The Bulgarian people do not like war, but they are not afraid of it."

He emphasised that there was nothing in the present situation requiring Bulgaria to modify her policy of strict neutrality and peace. The Government would do everything to defend the country and the interest of the people.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister is to broadcast to his^people on New Year's Day. He was received today by King Boris.

The Soviet Press devoted consider-

able space to reports of friction between Hungary and Rumania. t The Hungarian Press, on the other hand, has shown sudden interest in the prospect of an invasion of Britain. It quotes Dr. Goebbels as saying that the reckoning with Britain may come within the next few days.

Commenting on these hints of intensified attack on Britain, the Turkish radio says that it would have been easier for the Germans. to have delivered a frontal attack on the Maginot Line than it will be for them to attack the British Isle's. ' . -'■■■■

The Associated Press reports from Budapest that Hungary has begun calling up additional troops at a rate which will lead to total mobilisation of her man-power by January 15.

A new order was issued today in Bucharest calling for daily air-raid warning practice from 8 a.m". to 10 p.m.