PREMATURE PEACE RUMORS.

Marlborough Express, Volume L, Issue 62, 14 March 1916, Page 5

PREMATURE PEACE RUMORS.

TURKEY UNDFIR THE MAILED

FIST,

■BULGARIANS. FEELING THE

YOKE.

(Received March 14, 0.30 p.m.V ATHENS, March 13. Persistent rumors respecting peace negotiations from Turkey are premature. The position of the AustroGermans is still strong, notwithstanding the animosity of the people. The Austro-Germans are v gradually taking forces to Constantinople, simultaneously transferring Turks of equal strength to the provinces, obviously intending to replace the entire gar^rison. They are already masters of the Turkish navy.

German and Bulgarian officers at Philippopolis triumphantly celebrated the caotnve^of Verdun and the march towards Pirns.. The shops were closed and the town, heflagged and the. troops marched past. Deserters state that Bulgarian soldiers are heinjr shockingly treated. Tliey are not allowed to write letters home. Tf they prumble at.their food they are ordered 25 hlows on the naked back, and shot if their offence is more serious.