NEWS OF THE WEEK I N protesting against Bulgaria's action in
permitting the entry of German troops it cannot be said that the Soviet Government is expressing its opinion without any previous indication of its attitude. On January rzth the Moscow wire- less rejected the allegations that German troop movements were taking place with the consent of the Soviet Government, or that the Bulgarian Government had consulted it. None the less the Bulgarian Press has repeatedly endeavoured to allay the fears of those who regard Russia as the traditional friend by stating or implying that Russia advised a policy of co-operation with Germany. But it was only on Monday last that the Moscow wireless came out with a quite unmistakable condemnation of Bulgaria's capitulation. It quoted the reply of the Commissar for Foreign Affairs to the Bulgarian Govern- ment's statement that its action in admitting German troops had "the purpose of preserving peace in the Balkans." On the contrary, said the Soviet Commissar, this action leads not to the consolidation of peace, but to an extension of the sphere of war ; and he added that the Soviet Government is not in a position to render any support whatever to the Bulgarian Government in the execution of its present policy. Thus, to the consternation of her friends in Bulgaria, Russia washes her hands of that country in so far as she pursues a policy which Russia regards as warlike. The reply, of course, admits of being read in two ways. It may mean that, dis- approving of the German invasion, she will not take any action against Turkey to help the Germans ; or it may mean that, disapproving of Bulgaria's surrender, she will not take any action against Germany to save the victim. Or it may mean both. Perhaps the correct conclusion to be drawn is that the Soviet Government will be "true to its peace policy "—that is, refrain from fighting anyone as long as it can.
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