Evening star., 1941-03-04
u. s. Officials Study
Russia S DisapprovaI
Note TO Bulgaria
Roosevelt Freezes Balkan
Stute's Assets Here; Less
Than $500, 900 Involved
By GARNETT d. HORNER.

Implications of RusSia'S avowed
disapproval of Bulgaria's policy in
admitting German troops within
her borders we're studied closely by
officials here today as Bulgaria's S
entire assets in this country were
put under strict Treasury Depart
meut control.
On the surface, the Soviet dec
laration to Bulgaria indicated a pol
icy toward the latest developments
IN the Balkans somewhat similar to
that which moved President Roose-
velt last night to freeze" Bulgarian
funds here to prevent them falling
into the hands of Germany.
There was no tendency in in
formed quarters here, however, to
feel optimism over the possibility
of definite rift between Germany
and Russia.
Turkey May Be Encouraged.
Principal effect of the Russian
statement, some authorities be-
heved, may be to encourage T'ur-
key III cooperating with Britain
in the Eastern Mediterranean
Throughout the development of the
Balkan crisis, it has been felt that
Turkey would be reluctant to act
against Germany without Soviet
acqujescence.
The implication to Turkey of the
Soviet declaration that it cannot
share the opinion of the Bulgarian
yoUarppappt oS to tIa norrootroecD ~
Bulgaria's cooperation with Ger
many was considered obvious Rus
sia undoubtedly would be more con-
cernod about axis pentration into
Turkey because of the latter'S po-
sition as guardian of the Dardanelles
the Soviet as the gateway from the
Black Sea to the Mediterranean.
From this point of view, Russia g
statement attained even greater sig
niflcance in view of Turkeys week
end action in mining the Dardanelles
and restricting traffic through the
straits following the German troops
movements into Bulgaria.
Hull Uurged Freezing" Action.
The Presidents executive order
last night impounding the assets of
Bulgaria and her citizens in the
United States followed recommen-
dations by Secretary of State Hull
after official confirmation of the
occupation of parts of Bulgaria by
Nazi troops.
It was in line with a policy, based
on non-recognition of conquests by
force or threat of force, which be-
came operative with Germany'S in
vasion of Norway and Denmark last
spring. The assets of all nations oc-
Cupied by the Nazis since them
Norway, Denmark, France, Holland,
Belgium, Luxembourg and Rumania
have been frozen" Similar ac-
ton was taken in regard to funds of
Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Bal
tic states which came under Russian
domination last summer.
The order last night added Bull
garia to the list of nations whose
assets here cannot be withdrawn eX-
cept under special license by the
Treasury Department. Officials estl-
mated the amount of Bulgarian
funds affected at less than $500, ,000-
the least amount involved in any of
the freezing" orders.
Speculation on Sweeping Move.
Meanwhile, speculation continued
over the possibility of a general or
der freezing the American holdings
of all foreign nations to stop the use
OF axis assets here for propaganda
and espionage activities.
Many Treasury officials have
urged such sweeping action, but it is
understood that lack of State De-
partment approval has held it up so
far. Secretary Hull said yesterday
he made recommendations on such
questions from time to time to the
White House and Treasury, but he
did not disclose the nature OF his
recommendations.
Opponents of such a general order
as advocated by the Treasury men
have argued that it might do more
harm than good by leading to re-
taliatory measures and stirring re-
sentiment in countries so far not
definitely aligned with the axis.