Nelson's history of the war. Vol. XI., The struggle for the Dvina, and the great invasion of Serbia

BULGARIA ENTERS THE WAR. 23

receive some paltry territories in Thrace, and some vague compensations in Macedonia—these latter only on the understanding that Serbia got all she wanted from Austria. The rewards for adhering to the Teutonic League were not specified, but we can gather their general character from the terms of the secret treaty of 17th July.

These appeals were skilful enough, being directed purely to immediate self-interest and to the very real soreness with Serbia. They prove that King Ferdinand and his advisers were by no means certain of the temper of the country, which still looked to Russia as her traditional ally. The effect in Russia of this treason to the Slav cause on the part of a nation for which she had fought many battles was to arouse a bitter and sorrowful resentment. Radko Dmitrieff, the most distinguished living Bulgarian, returned to King Ferdinand his Bulgarian orders and renounced Oct. 1 his allegiance. A fortnight later, on ig 19th October, an Imperial Manifesto issued in Petrograd gibbeted the treachery.

“We hereby make known to all our loyal subjects that the treason of Bulgaria to the Slav cause, prepared with perfidy since the beginning of the war, has now, although it seemed to be impossible, become an accomplished fact.

‘“ The Bulgarian troops have attacked our loyal Ally Serbia, already bleeding in a struggle against a stronger enemy.

“ Russia and the Great Powers our Allies tried to dissnade the Government of Ferdinand of Coburg from taking this fatal step. The realization of the ancient aspirations of the Bulgarian people regarding the annexation of Macedonia was assured to Bulgaria by other means, in conformity with the Slav interests. But underhand methods, prompted by the Germans and fratricidal hatred of the Serbians, triumphed.