New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-30
Bulgaria

]. many places and IN nearly all the hiileo
countries suggestions and hints that skill
ful diplomatic policy could now separate
bulgaria from the Central Powers, with
obvious profit TO the nations allied against
Germany.
Such propaganda unqUestionably has
its origin, in part, among those who are
themselves loyal to the Allied cause and
sympathetic with Bulgaria because OF real
admiration for her people. Nevertheless,
such propaganda should not be permitted
to make converts or gain credence without
frank and fair statement Of the actual
situation. 1t is impossible-and all Allied
countries and governments should recog-
nize that it is permanently impossible-to
deal with Bulgaria ruled by Ferdinand.
In the autumn of 1915 the Allies had what
should be a lasting lesson so far as Ferdi-
rand's Bulgaria is concerned. Serbia was
sacrificed and the Balkans lost because pre-
cisely the same influences which are now
appealing on behalf of Bulgaria were lis
tened to in London, Paris and Petrograd.
Bulgaria has certain grievances, grow
ing out of the Treaty Of Bucharest, which
deserve consideration. Bulgaria's claim TO
certain territories taken from her in the
Second Balkan War is fair claim, pro-
vided it is the claim Of nation which is
independent Of Austrian or German influ-
ences; but precisely as long as Bulgaria is
ruled by an Austrian prince, himself a
German tool, there should be, and there
can be, no question of abolshing the
wrongs Of Bucharest.
In the spring and summer Of 1915 Fer
dinand cleverly played with French and
British diplomacy, successfully establish
ing the idea in the minds Of the Allied ne
gotiators that he was not only neutral, but
prepared to take their side. He kept up
this game until Mackensen's army was
ready to start through Serbia, and then he
threw off the mask, modified and struck
down Serbia.
Now, when conditions in the Balkans
and everywhere else in Europe are unfa-
vorable to the Germans, Ferdinand is quite
prepared to play new diplomatic game
with those whom he deceived and tricked
two years ago He seeks beyond all else
to persuade the Allies TO destroy their po-
sition in Greece, as they did two years ago,
by insisting on a Greek cession of terri
tory to the Bulgar. He seeks similarly to
destroy the last particle Of Allied prestige
in Rumania by persuading the Allies TO
discuss the recession of Rumanian terri
tory TO Bulgaria. Finally, he is endeavor
ing to put the Allies in the position of con-
senting to the mutilation Of the Serbia
that existed before The Balkan wars, so
that the Central Powers may finally
demonstrate TO the bitterly afflicted Ser
bian people that they cannot rely upon Al
lied support.
Mr.. Wilson has said that the United
States cannot deal with Germany under
her present rulers. 1t is even more essen
tial that the American people and the Al
lied nations should recognize that all deal
ing with Bulgaria under Ferdinand is
futile, as it has already proven fatal to
Allied prospects in the Balkans. When
Bulgaria has overturned her Car, when
men of liberal minds and real patriotism
dominate Bulgaria, then, and only then,
can there be a question of considering
Bulgaria's claims to Balkan territories.
n There should be clear and unequivocal
~ declaration on the part Of the Allies that
they will not do business with Ferdinand
or with Bulgaria while Ferdinand rules
that state. Any other policy will lead
straight 10 disaster; any other policy will
leave Bulgaria after the war as it was
before-a pawn in German hands.
The policy Of Germany with reference
to Bulgaria is plain. Germany seeks to
give Bulgaria territory belonging TO Ru-
mania, to Greece and to Serbia-territory