Evening star., 1943-08-29
Boris Dies; Son, 6, Is New King;
Danish Ruler Threatens to Quit
AS Nozis Act to Crush Rebellion
Ankoro Hears Rumor
Bulgarian Monarch
Wus Assussinuted
By The Associated Press.

By The Associated Press.
LONDON, Aug. 2S.-King Boris
II of Bulgaria died today at 4:42
pm. (10:42 am, EWT) and his
6-year-old son Simeon. succeeded
to the throne as King Simeon II,
the German radio announced.
Boris death-at the age Of 40
whether by illness or assassination
raised the critical question
whether the Nazis would be able to
tighten their slipping control of the
reluctantly aligned Axis satellite, or
whether, as in the last war, the Bal
kan nation would be the first to
open Germany's back door to the
Allies.
Berlin broadcasts recorded by the
Associated Press said Premier Bog
dan Philov announced King ST.
meons ascension in a proclamation,
calling on Bulgarians to stand still
firrier arodnd the throne of the
King"
Council Takes Control.
The proclamation added that by
constitutional provision, the minis
terial council will take over ad-
ministration of Bulgaria until a
settlement of the problem of the
regency.l
The Germans said Boris had died
OF sudden heart disease coupled with
lung troubles after f1ve-day illness.
Berlin vigorously denied that this
illness had stemmed from a violent
quarrel with Hitler at his headquar-
ters, when Boris repeatedly still re-
fused to send Bulgarian troops to
fight Russia.
Unconfrmed reports received in
Ankara said Boris might have been
shot in the stomach by an assassin.
Boris, one of the foxiest diplomats
In Europe, had been king 25 years
and absolute master of his country's
political life for nine years, and it
was doubted that any member of the
Bulgar royal family would be able
to hold the nation together.
Wins First Round.
Simeon's succession would indi-
cate that Premier Philov, Boris 60
between with Hitler, was winning
the first round in an attempt to keep
control as premier with puppet
king on the throne.
Premier Philov also was seen as
retaining his grip if regency with
the Queen, under German protec-
ton, were established.
On the other hand; while liberal
and democratic parties are sup
pressed in Bulgaria, it is known
that the three main ones continue
their existence underground, pos
sibly ready to lead an uprising.
The royal family was at Boris
bedside when he died at his palace,
and the Kings standard was low
cred as Philov announced the news
to Bulgarians by radio.
Boris, assembled the throne Oct. /,
1918, but it was not until 1888 when
Hitler came into power that Boris
became politically active in direct
ing Bulgarian foreign policy.
Paid Visit to Hitler.
In 1884, he visited Hitler in Ber-
lin, and within two months estab-
'lished virtual dictatorship in Bull
garia.
His coup d'etat suspended the
constitution, dissolved the national
assembly and abolished political
parties.
Boris signed nonaggression pact
with the Balkan entente July 81,
1888, giving Bulgaria the right to
rearm. The same year, he toured
Britain, Italy, France and Germany,
meeting Mussolini, King Victor
Emanuel and Hitler.
The eldest son of King Ferdinand,
Boris was born in Sofia, educated
In Bulgaria and spoke English. He
served as a captain in the Balkan
wars and in the World War against
the Allies was on the general head
quarters staff. When Bulgaria sur
rendered, he succeeded his father
who abdicated.
Boris Widow, Queen Joanna, is the
(See BORIS, Page A-3D