Vodnjak v Peli - 1906

Photo from the Slovenian magazine "Dom in Svet" from 1906. Volume XIX - Issue 4 (Katoliško tiskovno društvo)

Iz Makedonije:

Vodnjak v Peli, zadnji ostanek rojstnega mesta Aleksandra Velikega.

From Macedonia:

Fountain of Pella, the last remnants from the birthplace of Alexander the Great.

French Tobacco Commision in Greece

"State Department Records - France"

Form 457

ECONOMIC AND TRADE NOTES No. 891

FRENCH TOBACCO COMMISION IN GREECE

Attention: B.D. Hill, Tobacco Specialist

Olympias and the cult of Dionysus

OLYMPIAS AND THE CULT OF DIONYSUS

Alexander’s mother Olympias was a passionate devotee of Dionysiac rites. Dionysus was a popular deity, most of his followers being women. Imitating the maenads of mythology they engaged in riotous, ecstatic dancing on mountains, and performed ceremonies which involved the rending of flesh—even human flesh.

Plutarch tells us that Olympias, was "wont to have great tame serpents about her, which sometimes creeping out of the ivy in the mystic fans, sometimes winding themselves about the sacred spears, and the women's chaplets, made a spectacle which men could not look upon without terror".

Their name maenad literally translates as "raving ones". Maenads of legend were known as wild, insane women inspired by Dionysus to ecstatic frenzy; involving violence, bloodletting, sexual activity, self-intoxication, and mutilation. They were usually pictured as crowned with vine leaves, clothed in fawnskins and carrying the thyrsus rod, dancing with wild abandon. These entranced women, wandered through the forests and hills and joined night processions to the mountains in order to kill animals and eat their flesh raw – supposedly a kind of ritual communion, since they believed god to be present in the victim.

Dionysus is a god of vegetation, the vine, the grape, and the making and drinking of wine; the exhilaration and release that wine can bring. He represents "the coursing of blood through the veins and the throbbing intoxication of nature and of sex. Essential to his worship was a spiritual release through music and dance".

Dionysos was a god of extremes and a breaker of boundaries. He has been described as "a god who liberates his followers through an act of possession, thereby enabling access to realms of sacred ecstasy. Crashing through the tightly drawn lines that divide the human from the animal and the divine".

The Dionysian Mysteries are said to have begun as an ancient initiation society, centred on a primeval nature god apparently associated with horned animals, serpents and solitary predators (primarily big cats). The rites were based on a seasonal death-rebirth theme and on spirit possession. Spirit possession involved liberation from the constraints of civilisation and its rules an escape from the socialized personality and ego either into an ecstatic, primal state.

Dionysus also was considered to embody both feminine and masculine challenging gender norms. For the Greeks the masculine, rational, and heroic to be equated with the good and true. Dionysos was seen as dangerous and subversive influence being “emotional and disorderly, a god of madness and shape-shifting" (how postmodern!) - all feminine attributes which “real” man could not be allowed to possess. “He was a strange god, and a god of the periphery - edging on the dark and unknown. The periphery, the uncivilized, was the realm of women and beasts and barbarians; hence his companions were maenads and satyrs.”

Possessed by Dionysos, women were seen to become "even more irrational, passionate and wild. Liberated by the god, they abandoned their chaste behavior and wifely duties and danced madly through the forests, defying all social restraints". Worshipers in the Dionysiac cult were promised resurrection after an initiation that included suffering and a mystical marriage with the god. "The secret initiation rites for young women included: reading from a sacred text, purification, the flagellation of the initiate, ecstatic dancing, the revealing of the sacred phallus and finally, the reward of a mystical marriage to the god".

The Dionysiac cult spread over the Graeco-Roman world as far east as India in the wake of the conquests of Alexander the Great. It was Alexander who brought the cult of Dionysos with him as he crossed over the east to ancient Bactria, modern Afghanistan, and as far east as the Indus valley. When the Macedonian Greeks reached India under Alexander and his heirs, they claimed Dionysos had gone ahead of them, in the form of a local deity known to us as Shiva. Bactrian coins were minted with both gods on either side.

When Alexander conquered the area known today as Nuristan, he found that the inhabitants made wine and ivy sacred to Dionysos grew there. Alexander decided that he had stumbled on a sanctuary of Dionysus founded by the god on his wanderings. Alexander sacrificed to Dionysus and some of his officers, wearing ivy garlands, became possessed by the god.

Author: magicmountain

Átnézeti Térképe - Hungarian map of Asia

GRÓF SZÉCHENYI BÉLA
Kelet - Ázsiai Utazásának

(1878-1880)

ÁTNÉZETI TÉRKÉPE

Conclusion: Hungarian map of Asia, where it is shown city of Thessalonica, with his Greek toponym (Saloniki) and not by Slavic term for this toponym.

Click on the image to enlarge!

Metropolitan Makarios of Kenya - quotes

His Eminence, the Most Reverend Makarios (Tillyrides) is the Metropolitan of Kenya, in eastern Africa, part of the Church of Alexandria. His see is in Nairobi, with jurisdiction over Kenya. His quotes:

"...Because of its geographical position, the city of Alexandria also became a city which linked ancient Egyptian civilization with that of Greece and Rome and, then with that of the Jews, to emerge as, a renowned capital which was a place of meeting and cross-influence among the main spiritual and intellectual trends of the time...."

"...However, we know more about the situation towards the end of that century, when the greater part of the Greeks of Alexandria had already embraced Christianity and the new religion had gained supporters not only in the city itself..."

"...Much, of this success can be attributed to the personality of Mehmet Ali Pasha (1806-1848), whose pro-Greek sentiments led him to encourage Greeks to settle in Egypt... The Greeks who soon began to arrive in Egypt were not simply chance migrants. They included many men of letters, but above all they were dedicated to business and trade, where their industry and zeal vastly improved the image of Greece to the level their homeland deserved. The accomplishments of these Greeks in Egypt still adorn the country today, drawing admiration from Egyptians and visitors alike. Wherever there were Greeks, there were also projects of historical and cultural significance in fields such as education and farming, which helped the country -of Egypt gain its rightful place in all sectors of life..."

["The Patriarchate of Alexandria down the centuries" by His Eminence, Metropolitan Makarios of Kenya"]

"During the Dark Age there were, happily, lights here and there. It was during this time that the greatest and most significant translation achievement in missionary history was carried out by the brothers Cyril and Methodius. These two remarkable men, sons of a Thessalonian Greek, were appointed by the Byzantine emperor in 861 as missionaries to the Slavonic peoples. For this position they were well equipped. While being scholarly Greeks they had been born and bred in Thessalonica, which at that time had a large Slavonic population. Having acquired Slavonic as boys, Cyril and Methodius went out to their mission field already fluent in the language of the people among whom they were to minister. Moreover, each brother possessed his own invaluable skills. Cyril was a scholar, a philosopher and a linguist; Methodius was an organizer..."

["The role of translations in mission" by His Eminence, Metropolitan Makarios of Kenya"]

Mohammed Ali and Hellenism in Egypt

MOHAMMED ALI AND HELLENISM IN EGYPT

by Metropolitan Makarios (Tillyrides) of Kenya

There are many theories about Mohammed Ali's origins, but what is certain is that he was born and brought up in Kavala, Macedonia. As a result, he felt a close bond with Greeks. He invited them to Egypt and not only helped them to prosper there in various fields, but also himself made use of their services. Many Greeks at that time truly venerated him for the support which he offered. He stood by them and took pleasure in their advancement and success in trade, industry and various crafts. It was even said that Greek blood ran in Mohammed Ali's veins.

F.F.Oddis writes: "A learned Syrian whom I consulted assured me that Mohammed Ali was the son of a Greek woman who was converted to Islam by his father, Ibrahim Aga, chief of the gendarmeries in Kavala."

Mohammed Ali himself loved all things Greek. For this reason, he sometimes wished to imitate notable personalities of Greek history, such as Alexander the Great, Constantine the Great and others. The renowned citadel in Cairo where Mohammed Ali is buried was built by a Greek architect and is an exact copy of the Church of Saint Sophia in Constantinople. It is traditionally said that Mohammed Ali intentionally directed that it be built that way because he wished to be like Constantine the Great. Failing that, he would still gain. If Cairo were ever to fall under the control of the Christian Europeans, his temple would not be modified or destroyed because of its Christian form, whereas other Muslim mosques would be demolished. Instead of" being called the Mohammed Ali Mosque, it would be called the Church of Mohammed Ali! No matter how far-fetched this may appear, it seems he had actually foreseen that such a situation might arise.

Mohammed Ali admired the Greeks,and the feeling was mutual. When the independent Greek state was founded, the first representative in Egypt was Michael Tositsas, friend and colleague of Mohammed Ali from Kavala. Tositsas supported his friend later when the Hellenic community of Alexandria was established and he was elected as the first President. With his considerable charitable works, Tositsas became known as a great benefactor of the nation. Mohammed Ali stood by the Greeks of Egypt as they took their first steps in the creation of the Hellenic community. There is a richly poetical song written in praise of Mohammed Ali which illustrates the deep affection which the Greeks felt for him. The verse is particularly characteristic:

"Hail! I hear Africa, Europe and Asia proclaim you victor of the Nile and of the Bosporus, predicting in you the rebirth of a learned Egypt. Phoenicia of commerce. A true descendant of the first Alexander who civilized those he subjugated. And you welcomed the sons of Europe were there are so many brave men. You taught your reborn nations."

Mohammed Ali was not only on good terms with the Greek communities of Egypt. It seems he also enjoyed friendly relations with successive Patriarchs of Alexandria, particularly during difficult times and times of internal conflict. When Patriarch Theophilos 11 (1805-1825) died, he was succeeded by Ierotheos I. At that time there was some problem with the Catholics of Egypt and Tositsas, working through Mohammed Ali, gave some vital information:

"Nevertheless, I lost no time in reporting to His Excellency (meaning Mohammed Ali) our Master's probable course and to forewarm him with this information as at that time he had received verbal representations from the French Ambassador General here, helpful for the Catholics, so that I had the pleasure and favour of a response from His Highness our venerable Master, that the Catholics should remain in their former attire and that this scandal should (fade from the scene) or (from our midst)."

An interesting letter by Michael Tositsas to Ierotheos I, Patriarch of Alexandria, contains the following:

"Your Beatitude, etc,

My present letter following on today's other letter about the matter of the headdress serves to disclose to Your Beatitude that His Highness told me to write it. Your Beatitude may have in the library of your (palace?) a full and detailed history of Alexander the Great and that he would like to have it for himself so as to translate it into Turkish and adding besides that if it is not found at your palace, Your Beatitude knows where it can be found at Mount Sinai, Constantinople or elsewhere so that the search may be effected by Your Beatitude. Wherefore apprising Your Beatitude of this wish of His Highness I would further advise that the borrowed books will be used only for translation and will be returned. I remain, etc. … Michael Tositsas, Alexandria, September 3, 1833."

We do not know what the response of the Patriarch was to this request, but Mohammed Ali's feelings for the Greeks can be clearly seen. It is even more interesting that on the following day, September 4, 1833, Michael Tositsas was appointed as the first Consul of Greece in Alexandria. A letter to Mohammed Ali, signed by S.Trikoupis, contains the following notable information — "My King and revered Lord, desiring to have someone to look after the interests of his subjects who are engaged in trade in Egypt deigned to appoint Mr. Tositsas as his ambassador in Alexandria. I shall not let this opportunity pass without saying to Your Highness how much the King, my revered Lord, respects the existence of the friendly relations which are about to be inaugurated between his realm and Egypt. I do not doubt that Your Highness shares these kindly sentiments and will himself do everything Possible to increase trade between Greece and Egypt, the results of which will not fail, I would like to think, to contribute most profitably to the well-being of the two countries."

The close and friendly relations between the two countries of Greece and Egypt which were developed and cultivated at this time, continue to this day.

The contribution of Mohammed Ali was significant in the creation of a positive climate for the Greeks who arrived in Egypt. This is why he is not only considered a great reformer of modern Egypt, but also a valuable supporter of Hellenism and the Orthodox Church of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. For this reason, when the hundredth anniversary of his death was observed by the Egyptians, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, under the then Primate Christophoros, celebrated a formal doxology in the Church of the Annunciation in Alexandria to mark the occasion. Representatives of the Greek Consulate, the Hellenic community, members of the teaching staff and also members of the Egyptian government were present. In his momentous address on this occasion, H.B.Christophoros said the following: "Mohammed Ali demonstrated his protection of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and its*flock throughout the whole period of the revolution, both during the time of Ierotheos I and afterwards. On the one hand he did not cease to provide much material and moral protection to the Greek Orthod6x people; and on the other hand, upholding the privileges of the Patriarch in matters relating to the management of the internal affairs of the Church. This was manifest both in his personal relations with the Church and in his favourable interpretation of the Firmans (decrees of the Sultan) which were given by the Sultans after the election of the Patriarchs in recognition of them.

"With reference to the redemption and re-establishment of prisoners transferred to Egypt because of the revolution, Mohammed Ali made no small contribution ... We have many other decrees in our Patriarchal archives emanating from that great man, proofs of the goodwill with which he always embraced our Greek Orthodox Church and her children."

The above briefly described some of the events which linked the life of Mohammed Ali with the Greek communities in Egypt. Naturally, the story does not end here; there is much more to tell and the research will continue. There are so many events which illustrate how very much Mohammed Ali contributed to Hellenism in Egypt, and what friendly relations were cultivated between the peoples of the two nations, despite their different religious faiths. It is important that this closeness and co-operation continue. We must remember those who first came here and who toiled for the creation of this bond. lt is crucial for Hellenism in Egypt that we not only preserve the old ties with Egypt, but also work to enhance them for the good of Greece and Egypt alike.

Bronze head from Shami shrine

Fragments of head of bronze statue from Shami shrine, Malamir. Cat. Stein LHAS Photo 25 (4)
Two halves of a bronze mask slightly larger than life-size. The modelling shows Hellenistic influence. It is from the Parthian shrine of Shami. The cult place was completely wrecked and burned. The fragments which had evidently been subjected to blows with a hammer show marks of the violent treatment.

Aurel Stein's photo

Alexander the Great and Turkana tribe

ALEXANDER THE GREAT CAPTURES THE HEARTS OF TURKANA TRIBE

By Metropolitan Makarios (Tillyrides) of Kenya

There is a manuscript, number 162, in the Monastery of Iviron on Mount Athos, which contains a remarkable description of the life and glorious achievement of the Great Macedonian King, Alexander the Great.

The narration is well written in elegant and literary Greek. It includes details of Alexander's childhood; his studies under his mentor, the great philosopher Aristotle; his military campaigns and victories; his cultural and non-military achievements; and finally, his death. The narrative is so compelling that the reader gains the impression that he is reading of recent events.

At one point the document refers to the episode of Alexander ordering the destruction of the bridges across the Euphrates after his army had crossed the river. The action caused widespread disaffection in the army. "My brave soldiers, noble Macedonians," Alexander exhorted them, "why do you complain at the destruction of the bridges? God did not ordain that we should retreat, but to win and to conquer. I destroyed the bridges so that you would not be concerned with what is behind, but to encourage you to fight wholeheartedly. We have crossed the river and are not now concerned with anything behind us, but only to fight and to triumph."

Everywhere in the world today, governments and peoples practice democracy, or at least pay lip service to its principles. There is also the general acknowledgment that things should be based upon the rule of law and common practice. This originates from our illustrious Greek heritage, and was observed during the time of Alexander the Great and even earlier. All principles which are rooted and grounded in respect for human dignity have their sources in ancient Greek civilization. The seeds of subsequent civilizations which were planted, cultivated and bore fruit, were based upon the example which was passed on to other nations by that great benefactor of humanity, Alexander the Macedonian.

Aristotle directed Alexander's education and upbringing, which, provides the key to the progress which Alexander made towards moral and spiritual perfection. The training he received from the great philosopher resulted in the development to the highest degree of Alexander's natural abilities and talents.

The English philosopher, Sir Francis Bacon, a great admirer of Alexander, wrote: "When I reflect on my admiration for this leader, it is not as Alexander the Great, but as a pupil of Aristotle."

John Owen, the Welsh epigrammatist wrote "The greatest of the kings, the wisest of the wise, Alexander the Great was taught by the great Aristotle. Although he taught Alexander, Alexander appeared better than the great Aristotle.

Towards the end of his magnificent account of Alexander the Great, the author of the manuscript of Iviron concludes with Alexander's valedictory to his army: "O great men, my cavalry and my soldiers, please do not become emotional in any way when I am lost to you because death has conquered me. Only I beg you to remember me always in the love I had for you and the achievements and death of King Alexander. You, my people, should humbly render a report of this emperor who conquered the world after which he only occupied three measures of earth and his great glory became like a spider's web and invisible dust. He appeared to the world as a flower and in a hour he wilted and vanished. In an hour the candle was lit and in an hour it went out.

Many tribes and people claim to have descended from Alexander the Great. Numerous cities around the world carry his name, and many still bear witness to his 'influence and presence. Peoples of all races and widely varying traditions believe that Alexander was their forefather. Even in Kenya there is a tribe of warriors who claim that they are descendants of Alexander the Great. The tribe is called the "Turkana" and they live around Lake Turkana, previously known as Lake Rudolf. Even today they preserve many of the ancient customs of their tribe. They are one of the few tribes in Kenya —another being the Masai — which has yet to be influenced by "modernization" and civilization." The Turkana live primitively by hunting and rearing livestock. Tall and slim, dressed in colourful, usually red cloaks, their throats adorned with beautiful necklaces, they carry hunting bows in their hands and stand proudly, almost reminiscent of ancient Greek warriors.

My initial contact with the Turkana tribe was in 1982 when I first visited their area. Later, many of their number were baptised into the Orthodox faith. The catechesis took place under the shade of a spreading tree — perhaps the only one in the area at that time — and lasted throughout my holidays from the Patriarchal Seminary in Nairobi. Under that tree we gradually got to know one another, and slowly a close friendship developed. It was this relationship which helped the Turkana to open their hearts and talk of their glorious ancestry, as they believe it to be, as it has been passed down from generation to generation.

The Turkana believe that a white man, a European once visited their region. It was Alexander, or as they say in their language, "Emousoukout Lokingaren." At that time the local tribes, especially those who rear animals, were fighting among themselves, even as they are today. The Turkana wanted to seize the livestock of the rival Saburu tribe. Suddenly, there was Alexander. He gave them courage and told them to stop fighting amongst themselves. The Turkana welcomed him as a god sent by the angels. According to their custom, they bathed him in milk, saying that God Himself had visited them. Alexander traveled around the region and was glad to be amongst the local people. Natives came from all around to see him. They worshipped him as their god, paid him great honours and eventually gave him various symbolic names. In one area he was called "Longor Kelae", which means "the one with the black teeth." In another area he was called "Ekengarakinan," or "the one who helps." After he had been with them for quite some time, they gave him the name "eroukouyiok", meaning "ours." When Alexander saw the extent of their veneration, he had to tell the people that he was not the god they believed him to be, but a mortal like them; someone who wanted to teach them, to help them.

The elders of the tribe claim today that when Alexander first arrived, he carried a long bow, or weapon, which was large and impressive. He wore ornaments around his neck and ankles — the kind of ornaments which the Turkana still wear today. He taught them how to make a small weapon: which came to be called an "amalitei," and he brought flour with him. In fact, they say that Alexander was the first white man ever to set foot in those parts. The Turkana were sad when the time came for Alexander, the man who had taught them so many useful things, the man of goodness and hope, to leave. They deeply believe he helps them even now, and look to the day when he will return and live among them again.

The above is just one interpretation of the relationship between Alexander the Great and the Turkana tribe. According to another tradition which I came across while in Kenya, a local woman was actually married to Alexander and gave birth to twins — one white, the other black. The black child brought the Turkana tribe into the world, whereas the white child returned to Europe.

The Turkana say that Alexander lived in this region at a time when there was war between them and the neighbouring tribes, and he helped to defend them. They call Alexander "Lodekelaei," which means the one with the white face, or the one with the smiling face. He brought ornaments from his palace with him, which he gave to the Turkana. Ornaments like these are still worn by men and women, around their throats and around their wrists. But he also brought with him the trappings of war. He taught the Turkana how to make weapons which they call "amatitae." He also taught them how to make large and small spears — the same as the spears they use today, and which they call "the spears of Alexander." He also left behind him something of his creed. He told them of God and showed them ways of worshipping Him. Indeed, the Turkana believe that much of what they have and many of their customs come from the time when Alexander the Great was with them.

When talking to the Turkana about Alexander, one gets the impression that they truly consider him to be holy and divine. He is a potent and significant element in their lives. When things are not going well, they turn to the teachings of their elders, which are concerned with Alexander the Great, to find a solution. It is strange that the tribe is still primitive. They live very close to nature and express themselves differently from other tribes. They love their traditions and follow their customs faithfully today, even as they did then.

Some may consider them backward, but they have a distinctive pride because they believe that their origins are so noble. Whenever they meet a Greek, they seize the opportunity to tell of Alexander's great successes. They love to show off the jewelery which decorates their bodies, their arrows and other things which they cherish and which go back to the time when Alexander the Great passed through their land.

Whether we agree with them or not, the Turkana believe that they descend from the tribe of Alexander the Great. The thought gives them courage and hope, even though they live in such unfavourable and difficult conditions. It is inconceivable that anyone who helps the tribe should not be given the name "Lodekelaei" — Alexander. The Turkana live with the dream that Alexander the Great lives among them and that he hears them when they speak. He truly captured their hearts, and those among them who have not yet come into the light of Orthodoxy worship him as their god.

Ancient Warriors - Illustrations

Illustrations from Johnny Shumate's Portfolio.
























Click on the illustrations, to see in full size!

1 Alexander the Great
2 Agrianian Peltast (Alexander's Elite)
3 Elite Hypaspist
4 Elite warriors
5 Macedonian Phalanx
6 War Elephant
7 Ptolemaic cavalry
8 Hellenistic cavalryman 200 BC
9 Hoplites in camp 5th century BC
10 Hoplites study Geometry
11 Greek Hoplite 4th century BC
12 Alexander's Guard Infantry
13 Battle of Gabiene
14 Silver Shield Phalangite Elite Corp
15 Battle of Pydna
16 Macedonian Assualt on Halicarnassus
17 Hoplite
18, 19 Peltasti
20 Phalanx training
21 Hypaspist Officer
22 Macedonian Scout
23 Silver Shield Hypaspist Elite Corp
24 Psiloi
25 Ephialtes (The Mighty Athenian)
26 Hellenistic Kingdoms at War
27, 37 Phalangite
28 Philip of Macedonia
29 Phalangite with Sarissa
30 Thracians before King Perseus
31 Tyrian Fire Ship Attacks Alexander's Siege Towers
32 Alexander's Siege of Tyre
33 Kestrophendon
34 Greek Cavalry
35 Two Hoplites
36 Pezetairoi (Foot Companion)

Illustrations: Johnny Shumate

Interrogation of D. Wisliceny - 17 Nov 1945

"WWII Nuernberg Interrogation Records"



OFFICE OF THE U.S. CHIEF OF COUNSEL
FOR THE PROSECUTION OF AXIS CRIMINALITY
INTERROGATION DIVISION SUMMARY

Interrogation of Dieter WISLICENY
By: Lt. Col. S. Brookhart, 17 November 1945, p.m. Nuremberg
___________________________________________________________

PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS IMPLICATED, AND SUBJECTS

1. WISLICENY

a. Persecution of Jews
(1) Sources of information re Jewish deportations from Hungary, Germany, Bohemia-Moravia, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria (5-13)

2. KALTENBRUNNER

a. Persecution of Jews
(1) Relationship with Eichmann (2-3)
(2) Relationship with Mueller (2)

3. EICHMANN

a. Persecution of Jews (2-3, 7-9)

[On pg. 105]

[On pg. 150]


Conclusion (Analysis) - Another proof that term "Macedonia" was officialy used in Greece before 1988.

Sources: The National Archives

King Constantine II of Hellenes - Image

Photoshop image from King Constantine II of Greece.

U.S. Secret Document - Sep. 2 1944

"WWII War Diaries"

UNITED STATES FLEET
United States Naval Forces in Europe
20 Grosvenor Square
London, W. 1



Serial: 002901

Sep 2 1944

Secret

From: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe.
To: Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Subj: War Diary - Forwarding of.

Ref: Cominch restricted serial 7152 of 29 Oct. 1943.

Enc: (1) War Diary of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe for the month of August, 1944.

J.G. BRAY, Jr.,
BY DIRECTION

[Pg. 34]

WAR DIARY FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1944
GENERAL SITUATION
AT WAR

"...The Bulgarian Army is on the march home. Signs have multiplied in the past 12 hours that three years of unparalleled brutality in Macedonia and Thrace are coming to an end and that the Bulgarian Command has issued orders withdrawing from these territories at least 11 divisions which have been assisting the Germans to garrison Greece and Jugoslavia..."

Sources: The National Archives