The Wanganui Chronicle. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1943 BORIS OF BULGARIA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 206, 1 September 1943, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1943 BORIS OF BULGARIA

r pilE death, of King Boris of Bulgaria will probably remain a mystery until the end of the war. He appeared to be in the prime of life and enjoying good health, yet he suddenly developed an affection of the heart which resulted in his demise. True enough, shots fired into his abdomen would slow down his heart action and might cause it to cease functioning, and possibly the two accounts of the cause of his death may each be true and can be read together. It will not be surprising if it were learned that Boris was assassinated, for the whole of the country which he governed as a dictator was seething with discontent and had been so for nearly two years. Under such conditions overt acts of violence must have been expected. In January of last year it was reported that the Government had started deporting people who “spread rumours and calumniate the Government.” German circles also in Sofia then hinted that a special mission w.-.s about to devolve upon Bulgaria. The Bulgarian people, however, were by no means enthusiastic concerning this high destiny which was being prepared for them. When the proposal was advanced that Bulgar troops should be sent to the Russian front there was too much opposition registered for it to be adopted. Boris, apparently, was not willing to risk exercising his hand to this extent. He did look southward, however, and in due time agreed to Bulgar troops garrisoning that part of over-run Greece known as Western Thrace.

Bulgarian economy was drained by German demands and as the return flow of goods was never adequate Germany's indebtedness to Bulgaria increased by leaps and bounds. The change in the run of events which is now favouring the Allies makes this large debt a dubious one. If the Allies land in the Balkans what especial role then, will devolve upon the Bulgarian people? Will it be to defend the German right wing? It is possible that. Hitler desired that this should be the allotted task seeing that Rumania is net to be accounted highly as a fighting nation. Boris certainly held the strings of the nation, over which he ruled and now that rigor mortis lias robbed the King’s hand of its sensitive touch it is difficult to foresee how conditions will develop from now on. It is improbable that the Premier, Professor Filov, will prove to be adequate to the task of holding the people together: the truth is that the rift is too deep for healing. Boris

might have remained in the saddle for some time because he had been clever enough to keep his country out of the war as an active participant. That, however, was his only recommendation.