RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SMARO AND THE BULGARIAN GOVERNMENT OF CONSTANTINE STOILOV (1896-1898)

Abstract

The main purpose of this supplement is to present the relationships between the Secret Macedonian Adrianople Revolutionary Organization (SMARO) and the Bulgarian government of Constantine Stoilov during the period of 1896 up to 1898. The character, intensity and contents of their mutual relationships depended from their aims, interests and understandings of Macedonian question. The main object of SMARO was political autonomy of Macedonia within the framework of the Ottoman Empire. The autonomy of Macedonia according the views of SMARO was the first phase towards creation of independent Macedonian state. On the other hand, the Bul-garian government was supporting the idea for autonomy of Macedonia, but as a first step towards its unification with Bulgaria. During the period from 1896 up to 1898, SMARO was endeavoring to take some material and financial aid from Bulgarian government for its activities for liberation of Macedonia without harming its independence. It was quite logical that with the giving a support to SMARO, Bulgarian government saw an opportunity to make some influence and control over the Macedonian organization with the aim to direct its activities according the needs of Sofia's government in Macedonia. That was the main cause for the ceasing of their mutual relationships in 1898.