GERMAN STEPS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20493, 1 March 1941, Page 5

GERMAN STEPS

JUST “FRIENDLY” BULGAR MARCH DENIAL OF CONQUEST ANGLO-TURKISH TALKS GUARDING SALONIKA (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Tress Assn.) (R?cd. March 1, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 28. A Geneva message says it is reported that the Wilhelmstrasse spokesman yesterday admitted a “friendly invasion” of Bulgaria by Germany had begun, but he denied it was a “conquering” invasion. He said that the status of German soldiers in Bulgaria was comparable with th"§ position of those in Italy and Rumania. After the British and Turkish talks it was announced that full agreement had been reached on the Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean problems. Reports from Ankara state that from the Turkish viewpoint there is only one question for discussion by the British and Turkish statesmen, which is how best the Allies can meet the German descent upon Salonika, while leaving all details of such common action undiscussed. Break Very Near The grave warning given yesterday by the British Minister in Sofia, Mr. G. W. Rendell, that the time for England to break off relations with Bulgaria was very near, attracted much attention in London. During his statement in Sofia yesterday, Mr. Rendel said that adequate causes for breaking off relations almost existed already. The Bulgarian police were largely under ' German control. The pre§s was completely so, while the army was also largely in German hands at least at the top. Mr. Rendel re-emphasised that Britain did not want to take the •' initiative and bring Bulgaria into the war. He added: “But if we leave Bulgaria, Bulgaria may suffer grave consequences and become a theatre of war. The principle of attacking occupied countries has already been established in western Europe and I think the same procedure would be followed here.” Regret of Bulgarians It is learned in London that no date has yet been fixed for Mr. Rendel’s departure, but it is admitted in Informed quarters that it cannot be long delayed. It is realised in London that many Bulgarians view with the utmost misgiving and regret the help which their Government has gone out of its way to give to the German plans for making, war on their neighbours, so bringing their country into conflict, but the Bulgarian Government must bear the responsibility. The plea of force majeur cannot be accepted in view of the very active , help to Germany given for some considerable time in such matters as the press and the police.