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

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BULGARIA ENTERS THE WAR. 17

and will ruin not only our country, but your dynasty, and may cost you your head.” King Ferdinand endeavoured to turn the conversation on to autumn crops, and dismissed his mentors.

The skies were darkening over Serbia, but there were still gleams of light. Von Mackensen’s advance was making little progress, and neither Save nor Danube was yet crossed. It was believed that Greece would be true to her alliance, and that the Western Allies were sending adequate reinforcements. The main danger was Bulgaria, for a sudden attack on flank would gravely compromise the situation, and might cut off the Serbian army from its communications with Greece and the Allies on the seaboard. On 27th September, accordingly, Serbia informed the British o Government that she considered it wise gptHay. to attack Bulgaria before the mobilization there was complete. Beyond doubt it was the correct military policy, for the Bulgarian menace was far greater than that of the weary divisions of von Mackensen, and if Serbia fought on a front running north and south she would be in a favourable position to join hands with any reinforcements sent by her Allies. Except that a formal declaration of war was lacking, there could be no doubt about Bulgaria’s intentions. If Serbia delayed, Bulgaria would strike the first blow. The Serbian mobilization was complete, the Austro-Germans were not yet across the rivers, and the true centre of gravity was the Eastern front. In the event of failure she could retire upon Salonika, but if Bulgaria once got round her flank she would be driven into the difficult Albanian hinterland and cut off from her friends.

XI. 2