READY TO DEFEND THEIR INTEGRITY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 93, 19 April 1940, Page 7

READY TO DEFEND THEIR INTEGRITY.

EUROPE'S NEUTRALS. Several Countries Hasten Defence Measures. GUARDING AGAINST SPIES. I'nilPil Tross Association.—Copyright. (Keeoived 12..10 p.m.) LONDON", April IS. Nations from Holland to Turkey are hastening preparations to defend their integrity.

Kiiiiiania has taken a l>i:_' step towards political unity l.\ t lie appoint incut to thn (iraiid Council of leaders of the dis.-idciit Liberal I'ea-ant party, who hii\<> withdrawn their opposition to the National Renaissance party. King Carol lias a!>o acknowledged the allegiance of the Iron Guard.

Kiiiiiania ban decided on vigorous control of all foreigners and the prevention of propaganda iiicoiuputiblc with iii'iitralily. It- \* learned that further important forti licetions aro being eonstrurted in frontier dintrict*, where many troops are stationed.

Turkey is expanding her safety measures. \|. Itclioglu. former Mini-teY of F.coiiomy. was arrcv-ted for dhtributiisv pamphlet* critici-itig the agreements with Britain ;ui<l France.

The tiovcriiiucnl is empowered to extend the i>cr\i.-e of remvrvists from six weeks to four month*.

Yugoslavia's anxiety is exemplified by M. TsvetkoviehV appeal to Bulgaria foY collaboration. •■South Slavs should learn a lesson from the events which have overtaken Central European Slavs. Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria must stand together and help each other to safeguard (heir indepciulenee. and preserve the Balkan |ieace,"' lie said.

Other Kiiropcnn neutrals are similarly extending precautions. A Swedish bill is heinj! introdiieeil inenuiping the penalties for treason an<l espionage and "other offences harmful to the security of the country."' Foreigners arc forbidden to visit ports or trave.l by car from one town to another. Those working in harbours hiivu been compelled to abandon their jobs. In Holland a decree has been issued that foreigners must fill in a control card giving details of thenise.|\e< and the purpose of their visit. Police searched l'a-.ir-ts' houses in Harlem and discovered stock:- of arms.