BULGARIA BROUGHT TO ACCOUNT BY THE ALLIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16040, 5 October 1915, Page 7

BULGARIA BROUGHT TO ACCOUNT BY THE ALLIES.

DISMISSAL OF AUSTRO-GEBMAN OFFICERS DEMANDED. ENTENTE MINISTERS WILL OTHERWISE LEAVE SOFIA -*r ANTICIPATING THE GERMAN DATE FOR HOSTILITIES. (Received October i, 9 p.m.) Peteogead, October 3. It has been understood for some days that the Central Powers had fixed the last fortnight of October for Bulgaria's entry into the war. Russia has chdsen to hasten her decision. The Russian Minister at Sofia has been instructed to hand M. Radoslavoff, the Bulgarian Premier, the following Note:— Events taking place in Bulgaria give evidence of the definite decision of King Ferdinand's Government to place the fate of its country in Germany's hands. The presence of German and Austrian officers in the Ministry for War and on the staffs of the army also the concentration of troops on the border of Servia, and the extensive financial support accepted from our enemies leave no doubt as to the object of Bulgaria's military preparations to enter the war. On many occasions we have warned M. Radoslavoff that any hostile act against Servia would be considered directed against ourselves. " The facts contradict the assurances which M. Radoslavoff gave in reply to these warnings. Russia, although bound to Bulgaria by the imperishable memory of Bulgaria's liberation from the Turkish yoke, cannot sanction preparations for fratricidal aggression against the Slav and allied peoples. '• Therefore, the Russian Minister will leave unless Bulgaria openly, within 24 hours, breaks with the enemies of Slavdom, and dismisses officers belonging to the enemies of the Entente." It is rumoured in Rome that all the Entente Powers have prepared similar ultimatums, requiring Bulgaria to explain her attitude. Bulgaria professed to be debating the Entente's offers until the very last, encouraging the friends of Britain to desperate efforts to prevent a rupture.