Berlin, Nov. 24.
Sofia, Nov. 24.
King Boris was believed to have told Chancellor Hitler at their meeting recently that Bulgaria was unwilling to join the Axis or enter the war unless Russia did likewise or specifically approved, well informed sources said here yesterday.
The Bulgarian Foreign Office denied that the Soviets had either warned or counselled Bulgaria not to join the Axis. Sources close to the Soviets, however, pointed out that the Kremlin was not likely to admit communicating its attitude to a foreign government, All indications pointed to a determined Bulgarian effort to retain its balance "on the fence."
Competent observers, however, believe Germany, as a purchaser of 90 per cent of Bulgarian exports and with troops across the Danube in Rumania, still holds tke whip hand.
Observers considered it significant that the Bulgarian press demands for a corridor to the Aegean and criticism of Turkey and Yugoslavia have not appeared for three days.
"The did not comment on the fall of Koritza but gave news stories of it prominent display.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.