The British Policy Towards Bulgaria in the Initial Stage of the Second World War (September 1939 - March 1941)

Abstract

Peace, neutrality and non-alignment - these were the basic principles to which Bulgarian foreign policy adhered in the 1930s, when the main capitalist groupings in Europe were taking shape, when the preconditions for the Second World War were being laid and its first outbreaks were flaring up. Indeed, Bulgaria did not deny its territorial aspirations, which is why it was counted among the revisionist camp. But satisfying them was not within its power and capabilities. And no great power showed itself ready to support them in deed. Ruling circles fed on the hope that the march of Hitler's Germany against the status quo established by the peace treaties would create a favourable ground for putting Bulgarian demands on the agenda. So with a view to the future, Sofia's eyes were turned towards Berlin, although no definite promise or obligation came from there. And considering the other factors which brought Bulgarian policy closer to that of Germany, the conviction that if Bulgaria had to choose in the event of war, her choice would inevitably fall on the Third Reich, was forced upon her.