The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-29
German Statement That Re- serves Are on Way to As- sist Bulgars Considered
 as Bluff by Officials
ARMISTICE WOULD
 BE ONLY FIRST
 STEP TO PEACE
May Be Necessary for the Allies to Further Invade Country Before Peo- pie Become Convinced Further
 Fighting Is Useless
CBy Associated Prcss)


 Washington, September 28. High hopes of the collapse of Bulgaria as an active military force as the outcome of her ap- peal for armistice in order to discuss peace terms were tenn pered today by a reminder from officials experienced in such settlements that this ap- peal after all can be considered as only the first step toward the end of Rulgaria's activi- ties. It was pointed out that probably several other places must be passed through before the whole Bulgarian nation can be brought to appreciate that nothing less can be expected than the terms laid down in the French and British replies. Only acceptance of such terms lit was held, can prevent the de- struction of the Bulgarian army and the occupation of the Bull garian cities by the entente troops.
 The statement of the German foreign minister, Von Hintze. that German and Austrian reserves were being rushed to Bulgaria to prevent surrender. is not taken seriously, officials believing here that no such reserves are available and that endorsements from the north can be provided only by depicting the Aus trian army on the Italian border. Les sening of Austrian strength would doubt less lead to an immediate offensive by the Italian commanders that might pen- citrate into Austria.
 MAY CREDIT STATEMENT
 But it is conceived here that no in- considerable number of the Bulgarian of- ficials and people might be disposed to credit this statement and thereby be strengthened in their opposition to the acceptance of the terms which the en- tente is willing to grant There is also to be taken into account the influence still remaining in the royal palace, which is understood to be still intensely pro- German and bitterly opposed to any kind of an arnistice that might eventuate into a peace dictated by the entente. These, and other considerations. might, it is supposed, impel the Bulgarian com- manders to turn their backs at first on the allied proposals and seek for help from outside to save their country from complete subjugation.
 In that event 1t is suggested that it might be the United States to which i1e,ar rir,p pS n fri nation, with an appeal to exercise it's good offices to obtain better terms than those proposed. Technically, the rela- tions between the United States and Bull gara are friendly. There has been no breach between the two nations and Bulgarian minister resides In Washing ton with freedom of communication with the state department. Therefore, sug- gestion today from the Bulgarian min ster, MT. Panaretoff, that in event of failure of the success of the appeal for an armistice, his country might request the good offices of the United States. attracted official attention. In such case it Is probable that the United States government would prefer to contine its action to a purely formal transmission of papers and proposals between the parties.
 MIGHT ADVISE ACCEPTANCE If called upon to do more. the United States might, in friendly way, ad wise Bulgaria to comply with the con dtions for an armistice proposed by the allies, which in effect would amount to a. real peace with exceptions that Ques- tions of future territorial boundaries must be left to the adjustment. of thu 1 peace council at the closet of the war. In extending this advice there might be an intimation that If it were followed Bull garia might count upon America's aid in the exactn of complete justice. eveu i tempered with mercy. in view of her rupture with the Germanic powers. tn the deliberations of the peace council, Such a promise might be tclosey in line with the war aims stated by President Wilson last, night in, his New York ad- dress.
 The British reply. to the Bulgarian ap- peal was regarded by officials here as probably marking the maximum of con sessions which the allies are willing to make This seemed indicated by the statement that the-terms must be ac- cepted by other. Bulgarian commissioners, if those who already have received them cannot agree upon, acceptance, It IS not doubted here that these in fact, were framed by the entente allied war council. which has been in frequent session In Paris and. with full Knowledge of the demoralized state of Bulgaria. has clear. l&, tleffred in aflVanre ihe course to he