Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-09-29
BULGAR|A'S APPEAL
ONLY INITIAL STEP
IN PEACE EFFORTS
Balkan Nation May Not Yet
Be Ready to Accept
Terms Insisted On.

High hopes of the collapse of Bull
the outcome of her appeal for an
armistice in order to discuss peace
terms, were tempered yesterday by a
reminder from officials experienced in
such settlements that this appeal, aft
er all, can be considered as only the
first step toward the entfscf Bulgaria's
activities. ~ .H.
1t was pointed out that probably
several other phases 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 ac-
ceptance of such terms, it was held.
can prevent the destruction of the
Bulgarian army and the occupation of
the Bulgarian cities by the entente
troops.
Believe No Reserves Available.
The statement of the German for
eign minister. Won Hintze, that Ger
man and Austrian reserves were be-
ing rushed to Bulgaria to prevent a
cials here believing that no such re-
serves are available and that REIN
forcements from the north can be
provided only by depicting the Aus
trian army on the Italian border. Les
sening of Austrian strength would
doubtless lead to an immediate often
sive by the Italian commanders that
might penetrate into Austria.
But it is conceived here that no in
considerable number of the Bulgarian
officials and people might be disposed
to credit this statement and thereby
h q or 70 1cYfI J., NV RI
to the acceptance of the terms which
the entente is willing now to grant.
There is also to be taken into ac-
count the influence still remaining
in the royal palace. which is under
stood to be still intensely pro-Ger-
of an armistice that might eventuate
into a peace distated by the entente
These and other considerations
might. 1t is supposed, impel the Bull
garian commissioners to turn their
backs at first on the allied proposals
and seek for help from outside to
save their country from complete
subjugation.
No Breach With America.
In that event it is suggested that
it might be the United States to which
the Bulgarians would turn as a friend
ly nation, with an appeal to exercise
its good Offices to secure better terms
than now are proposed by their enc
mics. Technically the relations be-
tween the United States and Bulgaria
are friendly. There has been no
breach between the two nations and
Bulgarian minister resides in wash
1ngton with freedom of communica-
ton with the State Department..
ihere1ore, a suggestion yesterday y
from the Bulgarian minister. Mr.
Panaretoff, that in event Of failure of
the success of the appeal for an ar
miStice his country might request the
good offices OF the United States at
tracted official attention.
In such case it is probable the
United States government would pre-
fer to confine its action to a purely
formal Transmission Of papers and
proposals between the parties. If call
ed upon to do more; the United States
might in friendly way advise Bull
garia to comply with the conditions
for an armistice proposed by the al
lies. which in effect would amount to
a real peace with the exception that
questions of future territorial boun-
daries must be left to the adjustment
of the peace council at the close OF the
war.
In Line With War Aims.
. In extending this advice there
might be an intimation that If it were
followed Bulgaria might count upon
Americas aid in the exaction of COM
plete Justice, even tempered with
mercy. in view OF her rupture with
the Germanic powers, in the delibera-
tions of the peace council. Such a
promise might be closely in line with
the war aims stated by President
Wilson in his New York speech.
The British reply to the Bulgarian
appeal was regarded by officials here
as probably marking the maximum
of concessions which the allies are
willing to make. This seemed indi-
Gated by the statement that the terms
must be accepted by other Bulgarian
commissioners. if those who already
have received them cannot agree upon
acceptance. 1t 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 de-
moralized state of Bulgaria. has
clearly defined in, advance the course
Ito be pursued when the moment ar
riyed.