Paralysis in Bulgaria
For more than a fortnight Bulgaria has been drifting without a clearly defined Government or policy, with Bojilov in vain attempting to resign and the more emphatitally pro-Nazi Kalfov in vain attempt. ing to form an administration. There are few eager candidates for office at this moment. While a majority of the people is pro-Russian in its sympathies, governing circles are divided through their interests or fears. The Russian demand for the ending of co-operation with the German Army and for the establishment of Russian consulates has appeared in the light of an ultimatum. On the other hand, Germans have insinuated themselves into the texture of the adminis- tration. There are said to be two German divisions on Bulgarian soil. This strength would not be sufficient to enable Germany to dominate by force of arms alone, since Bulgaria has about twenty divisions of her, own, consisting of men largely Russian in sympathy ; and guerilla bands strongly anti-German are actively operating in some parts of the country. But German agents or adherents are in key positions, and it is obvious that the whole weight of Nazi propaganda and bluff has been effectively turned on. It is reported that German influence has secured changes on the Bulgarian General Staff. The Nazis have succeeded in almost paralysing the Bulgarian Govern- ment, but not yet in securing a new. Government to their liking. Germany's hold over Bulgaria has been the easier to' establish because the progressive political demoralisation that has gone on for years as result of intrigues among rival politicians and lack of central leadership in the opposing elements. At this moment some well- planned bombing of Itrategic points in Bulgaria, as a reminder of where the ultimate power lies, would be profitable to the Allied cause.
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