The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-09-28
Fall of StrumitZa and
Other Strongholds Forces
Attempt to End War,
MAY OUTWIT TURKEY
BalfOur. Lloyd George and
BOnar Law Confer on
Armistice Request.
BAD BLOW FOR TEUTONS
United States Is Not a Party,
Never Having Declared War
on King Ferdinand.
Special Gable Despatch TO THE SuS,
Copyripht, 1915: all rights reserved.

Copyripht. 1915; all rights reserved.
LONDON, Sept 27-Bulgaria, at the
time that her borders have been
crossed by the allied troops, has
asked for an armistice. with the hope
of eventual peace being reached. The
report that Bulgaria had made the
request received official confirmation
tonight from LorI Robert Cecil, AS
sistant Secretary for Foreign Affairs,
in conversation with the corre-
Lord Robert said the request had
been made officially to the British (,
Government and was being dealt with
officially.
! Lord Robert also said that the
Government had received nothing to
confirm the news from German
sources that the Bulgarian request
did not emanate from the Bulgarian
Government as officially constituted
and recognized. Reports from Berlin
were TO the effect that the request had
been made solely upon the initiative
of NJ. Malinoff. the Premier. who Is
noted for his pro-Entente leanings,
| and had not been recognized by the
| Bulgarian Government.
Cabinet Members Confer
Confirmation that the Bulgarian re-
quest also was being given official
cogniZance also came today when ii
became known that Arthur J. Bal
four, the British Foreign Secretary;
Andrew Bonar Law. the Chancellor
of the EXchequer. and David Lloyd
/ George, the British Premier. we're in
conference discussing the Bulgarian
| offer
In his interview tonight Lord Rob-
ert Cecil declined for the moment to
enter into further details of the Bull
Sarian offer. but in the course of his
| conversation pointed out that there
were only three things possible regard
ing the armistice proposal, the very
| nature of which suggests the need Of
rapidity. These are:
! Either the armistice is accepted or
down terms
In the third case the party request
| ing the armistice either would accept
| or reject the terms offered.
| America TO lie COnsuIted
| Lord Robert made it clear that the
British Government regarded the re-
quest seriously and as having great
possibilities--for instance, the release
OF the Salonica army and many other
! consequences which it is now prema-
ture to discuss, but which naturally
come to mind. incidentally he referred
to the fact that the United States was
not at war with Bulgaria and Turkey.
but OF course in any case Of any dipIo-
matte developments Washington would
take part in any allied interchanges OF
opinion.
| In oftcial opinion generally Bulgaria's
! request is open to two constructions. One.
| mat with her army split into three parts
and threatened with destruction. her oeo-
| - "'>' "N"'S anu MOI NHlB TedQlng the
| handwriting on the wall she is about
ready TO desert the Quadruple Alliance.
the other, that II il a ruse to gain tina
In the hope Of reorganizing her shattered
| army.
Whether King Ferdinand had any
knowledge of NJ. Malinoff's proposal or
whether he approved or disapproved is
unknown, but 1t Is recalled that since
early last August reports OF internal dis
sensions in Bulgaria have been persis-
tent, and there have been repeated ru-
mors that Ferdinand would abdicste in
favor Of his son Boris that a Bulgarian
republic was likely to be proclaimed and
that al the time Ferdinand was reported
as dying at German Headquarters hs
was in reality trying to open negotiations
with representatives OF the Entente Pow
ers in Switzerland looking toward Bull
garia's dropping out OF the war provided
she obtained assurance OF allied supporr
for at least part OF her territorial am
bitions
Getting Ahead of Turkey.
At that time the Athens ncwspape
Rests suggested that Ferdinand waJ
ready to go any lengths In order to de-
feat Turkeys territorial ambitions so far
| as those clashed with those of Bulgaria
Ill