Relations between Yugoslavia and Bulgaria, 1918-1941

Abstract

Within the Balkan peninsula there are two South Slav states, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. These two states have common, ethnic, linguistic and religious origins but the process of history has been such as to drive them apart. During the last century there have been numerous attempts to bring the Slav peoples together within a single union or federation but these have failed. The period from 1918-1941 was a time when the most serious attempts, were made to bring about a rapprochement but it was also a time of the greatest bitterness and disillusionment. In the period following the peace settlement of 1918, Yugoslav leaders regarded the creation of the Kingdom as a triumph for the century-long Yugo-Slav movement, and sought to consolidate this achievement by maintaining the status quo. Bulgaria, however, did not see the situation in the same light. Her leaders believed that their country had a right to certain lands which were mow part of the Yugoslav Kingdom - particularly Macedonia. Although moderate leaders in both countries realized that their differences could only be solved by co-operation and friendship, some Bulgarians believed that only by terrorism and the destruction of the "Yugoslav mosaic" could Bulgaria recover her rightful role in European affairs. This powerful minority opinion, which shaped Bulgarian policy in the inter-war period, was supported by King Boris and encouraged by those other countries - especially Italy and Germany - who wished to prevent the formation of a strong Slav bloc in South-Eastern Europe. Post-war developments have shown that the problems of 1918-1941 were by no means an isolated episode. But the axis, Belgrade-Sofia, is a genuine axis along which the destiny of the peninsula revolves. For whilst the two countries remain politically and economically divided, there can be no sure foundation for peace and stability in the Balkans.