CRISIS IN BULGARIA

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22355, 23 May 1944, Page 3

CRISIS IN BULGARIA

AMOUNTS TO ULTIMATUM PUBLIC ANTLNAZI (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. CopyrigHt) (Received May 23, 1 p.m.) LONDON, May 22 Sensational developments are expected soon in Bulgaria, says Reuter’s Geneva correspondent, commenting on earlier reports that Bulgaria was confronted with demands from both Russia and Germany. The Bulgarian Government has been continuously in session for the past 24 hours debating a German note which amounted to an ultimatum. According to reports from the diplomatic sources, Bulgarian public sentiment, which was previously apathetic, is now violently antiGerman. The Bulgarian army, including the majority of the highranking officers is reported to share the public opinion. The Telegraph’s correspondent, somewhere in Europe reports that the Bulgarian Government resigned 24 hours after receiving the Russian note and the Bulgarian Council of Regency refused an invitation to confer with Hitler at Berchtesgaden. Premier Resigns

, A crisis has arisen in Bulgaria following the resignation of the Premier, Bojiloff, says the New York Times correspondent in Berne. Efforts in the past 24 hours to replace Bojiloff have failed. Bulgaria has received virtual ultimatums from both Russia and Germany, adds the correspondent. The Germans demand an immediate rupture of . diplomatic relations with Russia, while Russia seeks clarification of Bulgaria’s official attitude. The Bulgarian Regency Council is reported to have rejected an invitation to visit Berchtesgaden to consult Hitler. The Council pointed out that internal conditions precluded the absence of more than one Regent. It nominated Filoff for the journey, but the Germans rejected him and suggested Prince Cyril, who refused the invitation, after which relations between Germany and Bulgaria deteriorated considerably. German diplomats have indicated that they are preparing to implement the war of nerves with the forces still available in Bulgaria.