SOVIET'S ACT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 153, 29 June 1940, Page 9

SOVIET'S ACT.

REASONS FOR MOVE.

Restore Ukraine Territory After 22 Years.

"INTERESTS OF SOUND PEACE." United Press Association.— (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, June 28. I The text of the official statement broadcast from the Moscow radio is: "M. Molotoff (Soviet Premier) made the following declaration to the Rumanian Minister at Moscow on June 26: 'In 1918 Rumania, taking advantage of Russia's military weakness, took possession of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, and with this action tore territory from the Ukraine to which it belonged, both historically and culturally. " 'The Soviet has never been reconciled to this act and has repeatedly displayed its dissatisfaction to the whole world. At present, when the international situation demands rapid settlement in the interests of sound peace, the Soviet believes her territories should be returned in the interests of justice. " 'The Soviet considers Northern Bukovina inhabitants, who are historically connected with the Soviet Ukraine, should now be returned, with Bessarabia. Such an act would also be just because, during the 22 years that Rumania has been in possession of Bessarabia, the Soviet has suffered huge losses owing to her territory being exploited by another country. , " 'The Soviet, therefore, suggests to Rumania that Bessarabia should be returned to the Soviet and that part of Northern Bukoviua should be handed to the Soviet.'" | The statement then outlines the con- ' tacts which have occurred between Rus- , sian and Rumanian diplomatic represenI tatives.