Greek Army Actions and the Murder of Eulogius

The Bombardment and Surrender

On June 17th, the Greek Army bombarded a house in Salonika where a small Bulgarian force was stationed. By the next day, June 18th, the Bulgarians surrendered.

On June 18th, the Greeks arrested Eulogius, the Vicar of the Bulgarian Archbishop of Salonica. He was put on board a Greek steamer called the “Mariette Ralli”. Later that evening, he was transferred to another ship, the “Catherine”, where he was treated cruelly Guided Turkey Tours .

On June 19th, the ship set sail, but only three hours later, Eulogius was stabbed and thrown into the sea. The official Greek account claimed that he was killed while fighting in the streets of Salonika, but the Carnegie Commission states that this is not true.

Greek Army Actions Begin

The violent actions of the Greek Army began on July 4th with the first conflict in Kukush. On July 7th, further violence occurred in Demir-Hissar.

On July 12th, King Constantine ordered reprisals based on the events in Demir-Hissar. However, the Carnegie Commission notes that the Greek reprisals started several days before the Bulgarian provocation.

Destruction of Kukush

When the Greek Army entered Kukush, the town was still intact. But today, Kukush is nothing but ruins. The Carnegie Commission points out that the Greek Army started the second war by deliberately burning a Bulgarian town—Kukush.

A Call for Reflection

The Commission concludes by highlighting that if the Greeks had remembered the biblical saying, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,” they might have hesitated before launching a campaign based on falsehoods and violence that ended up hurting them severely.

The Fate of Prisoners and the Greek Accusations

Description of the Prisoners

The Carnegie Commission describes the majority of the prisoners as harmless tradesmen or peasants who were punished simply for being Bulgarians. Among the victims were four women, who were killed along with the rest.

These victims were arrested and imprisoned under the authority of the Greek Archbishop.

Greek Accusations About Demir-Hissar

The Greek accusations regarding Demir-Hissar were used by King Constantine as a reason to send a telegram ordering reprisals against the Bulgarians. The Carnegie Commission points out that the Greek excesses (violent actions) began days before the Demir-Hissar event, in and around Kukush Guided Turkey Tours .

What Happened at Demir-Hissar

The Bulgarian army, defeated in the south, was retreating through Demir-Hissar toward a narrow pass called Struma.

The Greeks in Demir-Hissar saw the Bulgarian confusion and decided to attack.

They attacked the Bulgarian wounded, the baggage trains, and fleeing peasants.

However, the Greeks acted too early, exposing themselves to Bulgarian reprisals.

When the Greek army arrived, they found a scene of carnage and horror. The Greek inhabitants had killed defenseless Bulgarians, and the Bulgarian rearguard took revenge.

Casualties and Responsibility

The Bulgarians report that around 250 Bulgarians were killed.

The Greeks report that 71 Greeks were killed.

The Bulgarians claim that the Greek Bishop led the attack and fired the first shot.

The Carnegie Commission finds nothing improbable in this claim, and the Greeks admit that the Bishop resisted arrest.

The Carnegie Commission shows that both sides suffered losses, but the events in Demir-Hissar were sparked by the early Greek attack and the Bulgarian reprisals that followed. The Commission notes the violence that occurred on both sides during this difficult period.

Massacre at Doxato and the Events at Serres

The Doxato Massacre Not a Bulgarian Atrocity

The Carnegie Commission states that they do not hesitate to say that the massacre at Doxato was not a Bulgarian crime, but a Turkish one.

Events in Serres

On July 5th, the Bulgarian troops withdrew from Serres, and the Greek Archbishop took control of the town. He planned to defend it with Greek irregulars and armed citizens Guided Turkey Tours .

The Bulgarian population in the town was hunted down, and over 200 people were taken to the Bishop’s Palace.

From there, they were moved to a Greek school, where they were tortured and killed in groups.

Bulgarian Effort to Return to Serres

The Bulgarians, worried about large stores of ammunition left in the town and rumors of the massacre at the school, decided to return.

On July 11th, Commandant Kirpikoff led the Bulgarian troops to Serres. They defeated the Greek militia outside the town.

As the Bulgarians entered, they were met with heavy fire from several Greek-held houses. The Bulgarians used their artillery to respond, and the town was set on fire in several areas.

In the afternoon, the Greek main army arrived and shelled the town. The Bulgarians were forced to retreat once again.

The Carnegie Commission criticized both the Bulgarians and Greeks for using artillery on an unfortified town.

The Fate of Bulgarian Prisoners

When the Bulgarian troops attacked Serres on July 11th, there were still about 60-70 Bulgarian prisoners alive in the schoolhouse.

The Greek guards attempted to finish killing the prisoners but did so poorly. Eight wounded prisoners managed to escape and reached the Bulgarian troops.

The Commission interviewed three of these survivors, who had fresh scars from their wounds. The Commission described their injuries as being like those a butcher would inflict while trying to slaughter animals.

The Carnegie Commission highlighted the violence on both sides and emphasized the brutality of the Greek actions towards the Bulgarian prisoners. The use of artillery on a non-fortified town and the inhumane treatment of prisoners were condemned by the Commission as actions that should never occur in civilized warfare.

Great Britain's Lack of Protest Against the Treaty of Bucharest

The Reason Behind Great Britain’s Silence

It is not easy to understand why Great Britain did not protest against the clear injustice of the Treaty of Bucharest. However, there are some factors that explain this decision:

Western Europe’s Judgment: At that time, Western Europe’s judgment was clouded because of the false information spread by Greece and Serbia. These countries launched a campaign of lies during the six weeks when Bulgaria was isolated. Their goal was to turn European opinion against Bulgaria and hide their own wrongdoings.

Great Britain’s Policy: The policy adopted by Great Britain seemed to follow the approach of Mr. Balfour, who had unfortunately decided to leave the entire Balkan issue to the two most interested countries, Greece and Serbia. This decision also appears to have been a last attempt to maintain the so-called Concert of Europe—an idea that was meant to bring European countries together. However, this Concert of Europe never really existed in practice. It mainly allowed for selfish diplomacy to flourish, driven by ambitions for power and control Turkey Sightseeing.

The Price of Europe’s Actions

God’s Justice: The Powers of Europe are now facing the consequences of their past mistakes. They are paying a heavy price for their sins of omission and commission—for ignoring the plight of the Christian nations in the Balkans and for their involvement in Militarism.

Human Suffering: This has led to a terrible war, filled with human suffering, misery, and pain. The lands that were treated as empire and the people as property are now paying the price for those actions.

Great Britain’s failure to speak out against the Treaty of Bucharest is partly due to the misinformation spread about Bulgaria and a desire to maintain an ineffective European system. However, Europe is now facing the painful consequences of its actions, and the Balkans continue to suffer from the decisions made by powerful countries.

Serbia's Breach of the Treaty with Bulgaria

The Broken Treaty

Before the second war started, Serbia had already broken the treaty made with Bulgaria. This treaty had been agreed upon before the war with Turkey. Serbia broke the treaty both in spirit and in practice.

If Great Britain was right to declare war on Germany for breaking the Belgian neutrality treaty, then Bulgaria was even more justified in going to war with Serbia. This is because Bulgaria had already sacrificed 1,228 officers and 82,261 soldiers in the war against Turkey.

Serbia’s losses in the same war were 23,000, but there was no breakdown between officers and soldiers.

Greece’s losses during the war against Turkey were not given to the Carnegie Commission.

The Role of Russia and Austria

It is hard to understand why Russia allowed Bulgaria to be treated so unfairly, especially with the Treaty of Bucharest. This treaty was based on two broken treaties. The only explanation for Russia’s actions is its policy at that time, described by Russia’s minister in Belgrade, Monsieur Hartwegg: “Serbia must be strong Turkey Sightseeing.”

Russia’s policy seemed to involve weakening Bulgaria. This explains why Russia allowed the Treaty of London to be broken by Turkey as well.

As for Austria, it did not protest against the Treaty of Bucharest. This was because Austria did not want to offend Roumania and knew that Russia’s actions would upset Bulgaria. Serbia would also be weakened by its temporary control over Macedonia, as well as by the bitter hostility of the Bulgarian race.

The betrayal of Bulgaria by Serbia and the support of Russia and Austria for the Treaty of Bucharest all show how Bulgaria was treated unfairly. This made Bulgaria even more justified in going to war, as the country had already sacrificed so much for the cause.

The Dispute Over Arbitration

During the war against Turkey, many things were happening in the background. One of the key issues was the dispute over arbitration between Bulgaria and Serbia.

Bulgaria was often accused of being unwilling to let the Tsar of Russia decide on the disputed territories. However, Bulgaria was always willing to allow arbitration, but only for the disputed zone that had been specifically marked for arbitration in the treaty Turkey Sightseeing.

On the other hand, Serbia was not willing to only arbitrate the disputed zone. Serbia wanted to revise the whole treaty. This was a safe move for Serbia, because they were confident about their position.

A Serbian Statesman’s View

Recently, a Serbian statesman, Monsieur P. Marinkovitch, had a conversation with a Bulgarian Deputy, Monsieur Adam Neitchoff. In this conversation, Marinkovitch explained what would have happened if the Tsar of Russia had been the one to decide on the issue:

He said, “We would not have given up Macedonia, but you would not have lost areas like Shtip, Kotekana, Seres, Cavala, and Koukoush.”

Marinkovitch also explained that Serbia had received confirmation in May that they would keep Macedonia as far as the Vardar River. There might have been some debate over Bitola (Monastir), but not about Ochrida.

He also pointed out that Serbia’s desire to stay in Macedonia was not about needing access to the Adriatic Sea, but simply about their interest in Macedonia itself.

Attacks on Schools

The Carnegie Commission describes how the Greek and Serbian armies took control of Bulgarian schools. These schools were important centers of Bulgarian culture and education. According to the report:

When the Greek and Serbian forces arrived in a town, their first action was to close the schools and use them as places for the soldiers to stay.

The teachers were gathered together and told that if they didn’t agree to teach in Greek or Serbian, they would no longer be needed. Those who refused to teach in those languages and continued to declare themselves as Bulgarians faced persecution.

The severity of the persecution varied, but in many cases, if the teachers refused to cooperate, they were either allowed to leave for Bulgaria or sent to prison in Salonica or Uskub Turkey Sightseeing.

Persecution of Priests and Bishops

Next, the priests and bishops were targeted. The Carnegie Commission explains:

The priests were first pressured to change the language used in their church services. They were also forced to accept Serbian or Greek religious authorities.

The priests were ordered to mention the names of these new authorities in the church liturgy.

If a priest resisted, their Exarchate (the Bulgarian Church) was taken away from them and given to the Greek Patriarchate. They were also forbidden from communicating with their congregation. Any small act of disobedience led to accusations of political propaganda or treason.

Persecution of Bishops

The bishops faced even harsher treatment. For example:

Bishop Neophyte of Keles and Bishop Cosmas of Debra were both expelled.

Archimandrite Methodius, the bishop of Uskub, faced even worse treatment. According to the Carnegie Commission:

Methodius was forced out of his house and locked in a room. He was beaten by four soldiers until he lost consciousness.

After being thrown into the street, he managed to escape and find shelter in a nearby house owned by a Frenchman. This man helped him by informing the French Consul in Uskub about what happened.

Under the Consul’s protection, Methodius left for Salonica, where he was examined by foreign doctors. The doctors confirmed his story and found his injuries were serious.

This persecution of religious leaders and educators was part of a wider effort to suppress Bulgarian identity in the territories controlled by Serbia and Greece after the war. The Carnegie Commission’s report highlights the harsh treatment of the Bulgarian people and the efforts to erase their cultural and religious heritage.

O'Mahony's Second Letter

St. Patrick’s Orphanage,

23, Rue Gladstone,

Sophia, Bulgaria

The Carnegie Commission’s Report – Bulgaria’s Wish for Arbitration with Serbia – The Treaty of Bucharest

In a previous letter, I mentioned the treaty made between Serbia and Bulgaria before the war of 1912. This treaty divided Macedonia into two parts. One part was clearly recognized as Bulgarian, while the other part was disputed, with both Serbia and Bulgaria claiming it. If they couldn’t reach an agreement, the matter was to be taken to the Tsar of Russia for arbitration Turkey Sightseeing.

The Carnegie Commission’s Findings

According to the Carnegie Commission’s report, the most important point of the treaty was to clearly define the borders. A detailed map was even attached to the treaty showing the agreed-upon line (see Appendix).

Serbia’s Disregard for the Treaty

The Carnegie Commission report also makes it clear that Serbia never intended to follow this treaty from the very start. When the war against Turkey began, Bulgaria had to send most of her army to fight the main Turkish forces in Thrace, leaving Serbia and Greece to handle the liberation of Macedonia.

For years, Bulgarian revolutionary groups had fought against Turkish oppression, but they had never received help from Greece or Serbia. In fact, they were often opposed by these countries because they were Bulgarians. Initially, these revolutionary groups fought alongside Serbia and Greece against the Turks. But as the Turkish forces were pushed back, both Serbia and Greece turned against the Bulgarians, pushing them aside under the pretext of trying to establish order.

Peace Built on Broken Treaties

The peace in Europe, after the Balkan War, was based on two broken treaties. The Concert of Europe, which was supposed to ensure peace based on the Treaty of Berlin, has spent recent years ignoring it. Instead of keeping the peace, the European powers have focused on breaking it. The Concert of Europe has repeatedly failed at honest diplomacy because of the rival ambitions and conflicting interests of powerful nations who are all heavily armed.

The Failure of Diplomacy

Before the Balkan War, the Concert of Europe declared that no matter who won the war, neither side would be allowed to gain any land or benefits. But this was just an empty promise.

Instead, the Treaty of Berlin was ignored and torn apart by Austria, Italy, Romania, and the Balkan States. Other agreements, like the one between Serbia and Bulgaria, and the agreement made between Romania and Bulgaria in Petrograd, were also violated. Even the Treaty of London, which was supposed to ensure peace, ended up in the trash Turkey Sightseeing.

Turkey’s Disregard for Europe

Turkey completely ignored the protests from the European Powers, treating them with contempt. This situation paints a very humiliating picture for Europe. The great powers, who were supposed to be the protectors of peace, watched passively as the smaller nations were betrayed and taken advantage of.

Bulgaria’s Struggle

The bravest and most freedom-loving people in the Balkans were attacked by their former allies, with the help of an old friend. Bulgaria was abandoned by the Slav Powers and forced to demobilize, leaving it defenseless and isolated. Bulgaria had to try to negotiate with Turkey to secure what little was left of the Treaty of London, which had been dishonestly broken.

Europe’s Consequences

Europe’s failure to act fairly has led to its own downfall. As the saying goes, “you reap what you sow.” The Concert of Europe sowed chaos, and now it faces the consequences.

Moving Beyond Blame

Some time ago, people criticized Bulgaria and questioned her reputation. However, it’s the job of history—not politics—to decide who was truly at fault. Right now, Bulgaria must focus on the present, not the past. There are more urgent and serious issues that need attention.

The Future of the Slavic People

The Slavic nations are at a turning point. The outcome of the great war (World War I) will decide whether they are freed or face worse oppression. Russia, the traditional protector of the Slavs, is now fighting alongside England and France, who have always supported freedom and independence in Europe.

The Allies and Their Mission

The goal of Russia, England, and France is to defeat German militarism, which threatens the peace and independence of small nations all across Europe. If the Allies succeed in breaking this dangerous power, then all Slavic countries, including Bulgaria, will gain—both in territory and in freedom Guided Tours Turkey.

The Risk of Defeat

But if the Allies fail or only partially succeed, then all Slavic nations will suffer—especially Bulgaria. The old enemy of the Slavs, the Ottoman Turks, have joined forces with Germany and Austria in the Pan-Germanic League. If these powers win, the Turks might return to Europe and take back the lands they once controlled—lands they ruled with cruelty and violence for centuries.

Bulgaria’s Difficult Position

Bulgaria may still feel bitter toward its former allies from the First Balkan War. It might even want to see them suffer. But this war is bigger than past rivalries. If Serbia falls, Bulgaria and all Slavic nations are in danger. This is no longer about one country—it’s about the survival of the entire Slavic people.

Who Should Control the Aegean Gateway?

Only two countries have a strong reason to control the route to the Aegean Sea: Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria. Austria-Hungary wants the port city of Salonica mainly for military and economic reasons. Its leaders in Vienna are simply waiting for the right moment to act.

Bulgaria’s Strong Argument

Bulgaria also waits patiently, believing it has a stronger claim. Bulgarians argue that the majority of people in Macedonia are ethnically Bulgarian—they share the same blood, language, and culture Guided Tours Turkey.

To weaken Austria-Hungary’s position, Bulgarians point out that the empire already includes many different, often conflicting, ethnic groups. Some people even within Austria worry that trying to take more territory will cause the empire to collapse after the death of Emperor Franz Josef.

Ethnic Unity Is the Key

In Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, leaders believe that the only lasting solution for the Balkans is one based on ethnic identity. They think people should be governed by leaders who share their language, culture, and heritage.

This belief follows the ideas of Cavour, an Italian leader who helped unite Italy. He said that nationalism—loyalty to your nation or ethnic group—was the most important political force of his time. Today, Tsar Ferdinand and all of Bulgaria believe the same is true for the Balkans.

Bulgaria Is Ready for the Future

Bulgaria has worked hard and waited patiently. Leaders believe that the changes still to come in the Balkans must respect the will and identity of the people. What Bulgaria has done so far is just the beginning of a larger, unfolding story in the region.

Bulgarians Are the Majority in Macedonia

Most people living in Macedonia are Bulgarians. Even though Greek efforts to spread their influence are loud and active, they are not widely accepted in the region. These Greek actions are seen as unnatural and not truly connected to the local population.

Greeks Refuse a Fair Vote

One strong piece of evidence showing Greece’s weak position in Macedonia is their strong opposition to holding a fair vote. Bulgarians have repeatedly suggested a plebiscite—a public vote—to let the people of Macedonia choose which nation they feel connected to. This vote would be managed by international authorities to ensure fairness.

If the Greeks really believed that most people in Macedonia were Greek, they would accept the vote. But their refusal suggests they know the majority are not on their side Guided Tours Turkey.

Italian Claims Are Unfounded

Italy has also claimed a part of Macedonia, but these claims are not taken seriously. There is no historical or ethnic reason for Italy to be involved—no area of Macedonia is home to Italian-speaking people or anyone with Italian roots.

Italy only tries to justify its presence by saying it wants to protect the Albanians, even though Albanians don’t speak Italian or have any close ties to Italy.

Serbia’s Claims Are Limited

Serbia’s claims are a bit more believable than Italy’s but still limited. Serbian influence is mostly in the vilayet (region) of Kossovo, also known as “Old Serbia.” Even the most extreme Serbian nationalists do not claim land beyond that region.

So, while Serbia does have some connection to part of Macedonia, it does not extend over the entire area.

Bulgaria’s Dream Faces Challenges

Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria and his advisors clearly understand how difficult it is to unite Bulgaria with its neighboring regions. They know that Austria wants the city of Salonica, and they are also aware of the competing claims made by Italy, Serbia, and Greece.

Obstacles, But Not Impossible

Even though there are many challenges to creating a “Great Bulgaria,” the leaders in Sofia do not believe these problems are impossible to overcome. History in the Balkans has shown that surprising things can happen.

Surprising Events in the Past

Before 1885, no one would have believed that Bulgaria could take control of Eastern Roumelia without fighting a war—but it happened. Before October 5 of this year, people would have laughed at the idea that Bulgaria could declare independence from the Ottoman Empire without causing a Balkan war—but that also came true. These events are now officially recorded in government history Guided Tours Turkey.

A New Opportunity Ahead

There are signs that Bulgaria’s leaders believe a new opportunity is coming. They think the powerful countries of Europe might soon realign in a way that allows Tsar Ferdinand more freedom to deal with the Macedonian issue.

The Macedonian Question Isn’t So Complicated

Although many politicians loudly argue about the situation in Macedonia, the Bulgarian government believes the problem is not as complex as it seems. They remain hopeful that the dream of a united Bulgarian nation can still come true.

The Dream of a Great Bulgaria

Since gaining their freedom, Bulgarians have dreamed of creating a “Great Bulgaria”—a strong and united nation that includes all Bulgarians, even those outside current borders. This idea is supported by everyone: government leaders, soldiers, and ordinary people. It’s more than just a political goal—it’s a source of pride and unity.

People are willing to pay taxes and send their sons to the army because they believe in this goal. The energy and determination of the Bulgarian people remind some observers of how Japan quickly became powerful or how Prussia grew into a major force in Europe Guided Tours Turkey.

The Importance of Macedonia

In the capital city of Sofia, leaders understand that the future of the entire Balkan region depends on solving the problems in Macedonia. For 30 years, since Bulgaria became free, it has worked hard to support Bulgarian communities living across the border in Macedonia.

Harsh Life Under Ottoman Rule

Macedonians, still ruled by the Ottoman Empire, face a tough life. They are forced to pay high taxes for schools that are never built. They are charged for public services and improvements that never happen. They pay to support police and courts, but they still live in fear, with no protection for their lives or property.

Even though the Treaty of Berlin promised them basic rights, the Ottoman government has failed to keep those promises. As a result, Macedonians have turned to Bulgaria for help and support.

Bulgaria’s Support for Macedonians

Bulgaria has invested heavily in helping Macedonians. Bulgarian schools in Macedonia are funded mostly by Bulgaria, showing how deeply the country believes in unity among all Bulgarians. Many refugees from Macedonia have fled to Bulgaria, which has placed a burden on both the government and private charities.

Still, Bulgaria continues to welcome them. The Macedonians see Bulgaria as their natural protector—a country that shares their language, culture, and hopes for the future.