File No. 763.72/2298
The Special Agent in Bulgaria (Einstein) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 7.]
Sir: As erroneous versions have been circulated of the situation in Bulgaria during the early phases of her entry into the war, a brief account of certain events in connection with this, however tardily it reaches the Department, may not be devoid of interest.
It is curious to note that the agreement by which Turkey ceded to Bulgaria the right bank of the Maritsa and the railway line giving direct connection to her Aegean port of Dedeagach, was entirely dependent upon Bulgaria’s entry into action. The protocol between the two countries was signed just as soon as news was received of the decree of mobilization. It is reported on good authority that the Ottoman delegates were waiting at the railway station at Dimotika before affixing their signature until they received telegraphic word that the decree had been published.
The actual cession of Turkish territory, by a no less odd coincidence, took place the opening day of hostilities against Servia.
In spite of reports to the contrary, the mobilization if effected without enthusiasm, was almost everywhere orderly. The versions of officers summarily shot because of their refusal to march against the Russians appears entirely without foundation. The nearest approach to insubordination seems to have come from a battalion of Thracian reservists who expressed reluctance to fight against the Serbs, saying they wished to reconquer their lost homes from the Turks. This battalion was broken up and the men distributed among other regiments. At the same time all accounts concur that, in contrast to the first Balkan war, there was no enthusiasm manifested either during mobilization or since. Enthusiasm is perhaps not a quality in the Bulgarian nature but there has been a rather remarkable absence of it in spite of recent successes. The nearest approach to rejoicing so far has been over the news of the capture of Nish when a police-organized manifestation caused a few hundred students to follow a regimental band through the streets which had been beflagged, likewise by order. The students appeared before the palace and for the first time, it is said, since the Balkan war the King showed himself before his people. The actual war has been so much a policy of the sovereign that the military successes hitherto achieved have been for him a matter of special gratification.
Few things stand out more prominently in the jungle of present history than the new importance acquired by royalty in the Balkan states. In Bulgaria particularly, where the country at large was most reluctant to go to war, the personal initiative of action has been almost entirely the work of the King. Moreover, it seems to have been entirely by the King, acting in connection with the Kings of Greece and Roumania, that the necessary preliminary assurances were received here for the neutrality of both countries in the actual circumstances of a concerted attack on Servia. I have reason to believe that while the usual official channels have not been utilized for this purpose, the Court of Berlin has acted as the intermediary to assure both the Kings of Greece and of Roumania that their present [Page 83] neutrality will be rewarded by at least a guarantee of their realm while intervention would be visited by swift punishment.
It is certain that for the present at least all Bulgarian expression of resentment against Greece over the question of Kavalla, which equaled if it did not surpass the feeling against Servia, has been completely silenced. It would be rash to say that anything had been changed in the situation but on the surface the organs of governmental opinion are loud in their expressions of friendship.
The idea is likewise freely expressed here that Roumania will continue her neutrality. No illusions are entertained as to her real feelings but it is believed that the proximity of the German armies will reinforce the King’s determination to prefer the comparative security of present peace to the hazards of war against Bulgaria. Dr. Radoslavoff, the Premier, in speaking to me the other day about Roumania, remarked that the time was over when the street could dictate to the Government, and the Bucharest Cabinet has hitherto manifested no anxiety to incur gratuitous risks.
The Bulgarian Government therefore believes it will be able to decide its relations with Servia without interference from near neighbors and the only opposition it will be called upon to encounter will come from the efforts of the Entente powers. What these may amount to is of course not known but confidence is expressed here that even an expeditionary force of half a million English and French would be insufficient to achieve its purpose.
I have [etc.]