RUSSIA WARNS BULGARIA

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21525, 13 September 1941, Page 6

RUSSIA WARNS BULGARIA

Russia’s warning to Bulgaria against assisting Germany draws attention to the unenviable position in which Bulgaria finds herself as a result of the German aggression against Russia. While Russia was not a belligerent the Bulgarians, though far from unanimous in support of the German cause, allowed themselves to become allies of the Nazis. Germany took complete charge of the country and organised the Bulgarian forces to fight Hitler’s battles. Then came the attack on Russia, and Bulgaria found herself allied with the enemies of her greatest friend—for Russia was a close friend of Bulgaria. Germany is now reported to be making increased use of Bulgaria as a base for operations against objectives to the east. Russia naturally resents Bulgaria’s connivance or acquiescence and has warned the Bulgarians of the consequences of a continuation of that policy. The question now is whether Bulgaria has any power to interfere with the German plans beyond resort to sabotage, which is the only weapon left to the greater part of Europe. Germany has long been aware of the strategic importance of Bulgaria and has apparently established an iron grip on the country to ensure that it will be available as a base if and when the Nazis are able to continue their eastward march. Bulgaria’s Black Sea ports and aerodromes might be expected to play an important part in certain circumstances. Turkey will be as closely interested as any nation in the Russian warning. If Germany intends to attack Turkey, and that is not at all improbable* it is through Bulgaria that the thrust would come. Turkey, then, will anxiously await Bulgaria’s reply to Russia and will look for signs of independence in the Balkans which would strengthen Turkey’s policy of neutrality. Although Germany has over-run all the Balkan States she has not conquered the spirits of all their peoples. Revolt is still raising its head, and if Germany attempts to force all the Balkans into the war against Russia there may be serious complications. Blood is thicker than water and most of the Balkan peoples are far more closely related to Russia than to Germany. If the Red armies defeat the Germans, Hitler can look for trouble among his new Balkan domains.