Mr. Erskine to Mr. Austen Chamberlain.— (Received March 16.)

(No. 49.)

Sir, Sofia, March11, 1925.

WITH reference to my despatch No. 37 of the 19th February, I have the honour to transmit herewith translation of a declaration published in the Bulgarian press by the Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation regarding its future policy. This document is of some interest as being the first statement issued by the newly-elected Central Committee.

It will be seen that its aim is defined as the attainment of complete autonomy for Macedonia within its geographical boundaries, either by the creation of an independent State under the auspices of the League of Nations, or as a member either of Jugoslav or a Balkan federation; that for the achievement of this aim it relies not only on its own members, but on the assistance of all other oppressed nationalities in Greece and Serbia, especially the Croats, Slovenes and Albanians; and that it repudiates interference or dictation from the Third International or from any Government, including that of Bulgaria, or party which may attempt to use it for its own purposes. It states further, that the use of revolutionary methods, which is indispensable in Greek and Serbian Macedonia, is unnecessary in Bulgaria.

• 3. The declaration of the Bulgarian Government mentioned as a reason for this differential treatment in favour of Bulgaria, refers to a statement which I understand was made by the Bulgarian delegates on the occasion of the signature of the Treaty of Neuilly.

• 4. I learn from a secret source that the Central Committee have also undertaken to give active support to M. Tsankov's Government in the event of a Communist rising and have decided to refrain from causing them embarrassment with the Serbian Government by komitaji activity, provided the latter Government abstain from aggressive action in Serbian Macedonia.

• 5. I am sending a copy of this despatch to His Majesty's Minister at Belgrade.

I have, &c.

WILLIAM ERSKINE.