SOVIET GROWS CRITICAL

Southland Times, Issue 24376, 5 March 1941, Page 7

SOVIET GROWS CRITICAL

BULGARIA’S ACTION CONDEMNED

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright)

(Received March 4, 8.30 p.m.) MOSCOW, March 3,

The radio stated that M. Viacheslav Molotov’s deputy, Monsieur A. Y. Vyshinsky, handed to the Bulgarian Minister in Moscow a note sharply criticizing Bulgaria’s acceptance of the Germans’ move, declaring that the Soviet believes it will mean the spreading of the war and the involvement of Bulgaria.

The announcer said that on March 1 a representative of the Bulgarian Foreign Office handed a declaration to the Soviet Minister in Sofia that the Bulgarian Government had consented to the arrival of German troops for the purpose of preserving peace in the Balkans. On March 3 M. Vyshinsky handed to the Bulgarian Minister the Soviet Government’s reply. The reply emphasized two points:— First, the Soviet cannot share the opinion of Bulgaria that the presence of German troops in Bulgaria will facilitate the preservation of peace because events would not be within the authority of the Bulgarian Government. Bulgaria has taken up this position without regard to the strengthening of peace, and the position she has adopted will only mean the spreading of the war and Bulgaria will be involved. Second, the Soviet, faithful to a policy of peace, is not in a position to support Bulgaria in carrying out her present policy, particularly as the Bulgarian Press, without hindrance, was spreading rumours which were representing the Soviet policy entirely falsely. The Note was broadcast to Bulgaria in Bulgarian. ATTITUDE OF GREECE A message from Athens says that the Greek Minister in Sofia has asked King Boris for a declaration of Bulgaria’s attitude towards Greece. However, the Legation officials indicated that they did not place much reliance on such a declaration and said the Legation was ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The concentration of German troops continues on the Greek frontier. Detachments have arrived at Kulata and Nevrokop.

According to a message from Stockholm the Berlin correspondent of the newspaper Afton Bladet declared that Greece still had a chance to obtain peace and honour. The terms suggested include the Greek retention of. her Albanian conquests and the cession to Germany of bases in Greek territory, which can be returned at the end of the war.

Strong forces of Germans are concentrating on the Turkish frontier, where seven divisions of Bulgarians are also massed. More Turkish troops have been moved to the Greek and Bulgarian frontiers and Turkey has called up her naval reservists. The Turkish General Staff is in session all day.

The Germans have completed the occupation of Burgas in addition to Varna and German submarines which were assembled a' the factory in Constanza are reported to have arrived at both these ports.

Bulgarian mobilization is progressing, but the reservists are receiving rifles without ammuniton because of the Government’s fear that they may prove unreliable. Arrests of those among the opposition, mainly journalists and politicians continue. The Gov■ emment, until further notice, has closed the frontier. Nobody may leave without a special permit from the War Office.