RUSSIA-BULGARIA TENSION

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21532, 22 September 1941, Page 6

RUSSIA-BULGARIA TENSION

EXTENSION OF WAR PROBABLE INVASION OF TURKEY CONSIDERED LIKELY ULTIMATUM REJECTED—CONTROL OF DARDANELLES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 22, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 21 Bulgaria is hourly expected to enter the war against Russia. Britisli observer- believe that a German invasion of Turkey is also imminent. The New York Times’ Ankara correspondent says Bul-garian-Russian diplomatic relations are expected to be broken off tonight. After an emergency meeting of the Bulgarian Cabinet lasting -ix hours the situation is described as hopeless. Another Ankara report says that only a miracle can prevent war between Bulgaria and Russia. Bulgaria has strongly protested to Moscow about the sinking of the freighter Rodina. The Rome radio stated that a Russian mine sank the ship. London papers feature a Nazi invasion threat to Turkey. The Sunday Observer -ays that Turkey is understood to have rejected a German ultimatum to hand over control of the Dardanelles. The German General Staff i- believed to have advised Hitler that Germany mu-t fight for whatever she wants from Turkey. The News of the World’s diplomatic writer says there is little doubt among military experts that Hitler is about to invade Turkey. Well-informed observers believe that the attack has been delayed only because the Nazis hoped to persuade Turkey to allow Italian ships flying the Bulgarian flag to enter the Black Sea. Little has been said of the Allied preparations to meet such an attack, but any developments can be regarded with confidence, adds the writer.