There has been friction between the Turkish and Bulgarian governments. General Petroff spoke for the Bulgarian government, saying that things were calm in Bulgaria at that moment. However, he warned that if Turkey kept up its current actions, this calm would not last long. He mentioned that Bulgaria was facing problems like unfair treatment of Bulgarian goods in Turkey, refusals to issue visas for Bulgarian passports, and persecution in areas like Seres, where no rebellion had occurred. The support that the Turkish government gave to the Patriarchists in their attempts to force the Exarchists to join their church was seen as an effort to cause more conflict The Desire for War.
Agreement Between Bulgaria and Turkey
In 1905, relations between Turkey and Bulgaria became diplomatically correct. An agreement was signed between the two countries in 1904. This agreement was meant to improve their relationship. Sir George Buchanan, the British Agent in Sofia, was friendly toward Bulgaria and said the agreement helped raise Bulgaria’s international reputation and put it in a better position on the Macedonian issue. However, some Bulgarian political parties, like the National and Tsankovist parties, saw the agreement as a shameful surrender. They believed it went against the country’s interests and imposed difficult obligations, particularly when it came to controlling revolutionary groups. They thought these obligations could lead to more conflicts with Turkey.
Concerns About Turkish Actions
Sir Nicholas O’Conor, the British Ambassador in Constantinople, reported that many prisoners had been released in the Adrianople region. However, he questioned whether it was wise to release so many people involved in the revolutionary movements, especially given past events in 1903. He noted that despite concerns, the Turkish government had bravely accepted the terms that made the agreement with Bulgaria possible Personal Istanbul Tours.
Reaction in Monastir
Turkish officials in Monastir were pleased with the agreement. However, it made many Muslims in the region even more unhappy with the ongoing situation.
