Evening star., 1915-09-19
FORCES BULGARIA
TO REVEAL STAND
Allies Note Practically De-
mands knowledge as to
Future Course.
SERBIAN CONCESSION
TEST OF GOOD FAITH
Answer Is Expected to Be Turning
Point in Critical Balkan
Situation.

| PARIS, September 1S.-A joint note has
| been delivered to Bulgaria by the en-
tente allies asking in effect that Bull
garia define her position, making it
clear whether she casts in her lot with
the allies or with the central powers.
The note, which was delivered to the
government at Sofia two days ago, was
sent in pursuance of a decision by the
allied powers to test the good faith OF
Bulgaria by submitting the recent con-
cessions made by Serbia, with the view
of securing from Bulgaria a definite
statement as to her position.
Must Take Definite Stand.
Although the note does not fix date
for a reply and is not an ultimatum,
diplomats familiar with its contents
say it is of a nature requiring Bulgaria
to take stand one way or the other.
1t points out that the allied powers are
now prepared to offer the Serbian con-
cession on Bulgaria's claims to dis
puted territory, and asks Bulgaria If
the concessions secured through the
joint offices of the allies will bring
about Bulgaria's cooperation with the
other Balkan states.
What, if any, reference is made to
to be considered that Serbia's conces-
sion should suffice to secure Bulgaria's S
adherence to the Balkan union. While
the exact limits of the Macedonian
territory which Serbia comedies are not
known, the concession is believed to
cover all the territory east of the
Nardar river. with possible neutral
zone west of the river. Such con-
cession would give Bulgaria territory
along her western frontier and would
northward and westward the territory
now controlled by Austria.
Legations Show Interest.
A visit paid today to all the legations
here of the Balkan states revealed
them showing deep interest, bordering
on agitation, on the latest turn of
events. The general view expressed
in Greco-Serbian quarters was that
the note of the allies brought the
question to definite issue which
would not permit Bulgaria to avoid
reaching a determination whether to
cast her lot with the entente allies or
with the central powers.
Bulgarian advices were somewhat
contradictory concerning the nature of
the note.
Transfer Is Delayed.
Regarding the agreement between
Turkey and Bulgaria for the Turkish
railway concession, the understanding
here is that the arrangement had been
made, but that the date for the trans
fer has not yet been definitely fixed.
1t was first announced that the transfer
would occur tomorrow. but this was
later changed to September 26 and
afterward was reported to have been
postponed to October 6.
All announcements of dates for the
transfer are considered here as pre-
mature and as likely cause of irri-
tation at time when the negotiations
have reached a delicate stage.
Officials and diplomats are now await
ing Bulgarias answer to the allied
note as the turning point in the Balkan
situation.
A dispatch from Athens says that NJ.
Radislayoff, the Bulgarian premier,
when addressing the foreign ministers
at Sofia, said that Bulgarian public
opinion was against any attack on Tur-
key.