THE BALKANS

Grey River Argus, 16 December 1943, Page 5

THE BALKANS

MORE ENEMY FORCES Bulgarian Peace Feelers THROUGH RUSSIA [Aust. & N.Z. Press Assn.] (Rec. 12.0) LONDON, Dec. 15. The “New York Times” Cairo correspondent says: Britain and America turned down official Bulgarian peace feelers, sent separately to them through Russia. It is reported that the Prim e Minister, M. Bojilov, offered to negotiate on the basis of the Atlantic Charter in return for guarantees that Bulgaria keep the territories seized from Yugoslavia and Greece. H e argued that they are ethically Bulgarian. As a result of this, a major political crisis is developing in Sofia, high-lighted bv the resignation of three members of the Cabinet. Bulgaria Within REPORTS OF PANIC DOUBTED. (Rec. 5.5.) LONDON. Dec. 14. . The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says: It would be wise to regard unsubstantiated reports of a panic in Bulgaria, which are still plentiful, with reserve. Most of those reports have been based on events last week, when the Bulgarian Government, had to face a sudden crisis caused by rumours to the effect that Turkey had agreed to enter the war. In fact, it seems, however, that the Bulgarian Government has managed to tide over the crisis for the time being, and that the Government means to stand by its pro-German policy. 1 GERMAN FORCES. LARGELY INCREASED. LONDON, Dec. 14. The British United Press Zurich correspondent reports that all available German reinforcements, including air force personnel which otherwise would have gone to Italy, also war material destined for the Russian front, are being rushed to the Balkans. It is estimated that 40,000 troops are moving through Bulgaria and Greece from Austria. The German Overseas News Agency stated import-ant German reinforcements had reached the Balkans. It added that all indications point to immediate operations on a large scale, aiming at a thorough monping up of the Balkans, NEW GERMAN FORCES. PROBABLY TACKLING YUGOSLAVIA. (Rec. 5.5.) LONDON. Dec. 14. A diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” refers to German reports of strong reinforcements goinp- to the Balkans. He says: “These messages may be true, in view of an obvious danger of an Allied invasion of the Balkans. However, it should be noted that German insistence on the massive nature of these reinforcements may contain an element of bluff. I The-“ Daily Express” comments on the reoorts of large German reinforcements going to the Balkans. It says: The Germans presumably wish to smash Generol Tito’s partisan forces’ opposition in Yugoslovia before the opening of new fronts elsewhere makes fresh calls upon their armies. >, . TURKEY’S ATTITUDE. LONDON, Dec. 14. A diplomatic correspondent of a semi-official Ankara paper, “Ulus”, in a broadcast said: “Turkey is not a neutral country. Every step she has taken in this war has been taken only after consultation with the British Government, with a view to helping the common cause of the Allies. The war is now entering a new phase. This may mean that Turkey can now take part in a different way. This was discussed at the Cairo conference.” Turkey’s only concern was how she could be useful to the Allied cause, which was the cause of Turkey itself. 1 •

MR. EDEN’S COMMENTS. LONDON, Dec. 14. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr. A. Eden (Foreign Secretary) referred to the resistance movements m Yugoslavia and Greece. He said: “There is no little internal confusion and conflict. German propaganda is trying to increase the confusion and to spread false reports about our intentions and trying to divide us from our Allies. We should use all possible restraint and, above all, not light our own elections in these Balkan lands. I have tried to apply three rules: First, give all the help in our power to those elements m those countries actively resisting the enemy. Secondly, make it clear that so far as we can exercise any authoiity it shall be free to choose their own government when liberated. Thirdly, work in the closest possible concert with our Allies. For many months past the head and front of the resists ance in Jugoslavia have been the Partisans, under Tito. These are containing and engaging a large number of German divisions, and we are doing all we can to supply them with mutions and support them in every possible way. Our action, of course, has been endorsed by our Allies, including the Soviet and United States Governments. We decided in the Spring of this year we would asK Tito to receive a British military mission. He replied: ‘Yes,’ and British officers have been with him ever since. 1 , “The Prime Minister and I and. M. Molotov agreed that the two missions shall work together in close collaboration. Since I lift Teheran a Supreme Legislative Committee and an Executive National Committee of Liberation have been set up under the auspices of the Cbmmander-in-Chief, .Partisan Forces. It does not claim authority outside the area in which it operates, or any form of recognition from our- Government. The Partisans have emphasised the provisional nature of this Administration, and they hold that it is for the Jugoslav per->le, when liberated, freely to choose the form of government they prefer. That is also our view, and the desire cf King Pete himself and the policy of his Government. “In Cairo Mr. Churchill and I devoted no little time to the Jugoslav situation, and in conjunction with our Allies decided to do whatever we could to bring together all those in Jugoslavia and outside who want io fight against the Germans. “In Greece the position is not on all fours with the position in Jugoslavia. There are warring bands, all in different degrees hostile to the Germans, and political controversies wh?ch cut right across this matter. It is our aim to unite all, or almost all in a common action against the enemy. We have some hope of a measure of success in that. The recent publication bv the King of the Hellenes to his Government last November shows clearlv his intention to make hie contribution so his position shall not be a. matter of controversv 'or stand in the way oi unity. I hone we shall succeed, and Ii do not think the task easy.’’