THRUST IN BALKANS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 154, 1 July 1940, Page 7

THRUST IN BALKANS

Red Troops Clash

With Rumanians

MANY CASUALTIES

King Carol Has 2,200,000 Men Already Mobilised

APPEAL TO MUSSOLINI

(United Press Association.—Copyright.— Rec. 1 p.m.) LONDON, June 30. It is officially reported from Bucharest that clashes occurred between Kuesian troops, who were marching in, and the retiring Rumanian armies. According to authoritative sources the clashes were serious and there were many casualties. The British United Press correspondent at Bucharest states that the Kussian and Rumanian clashes were due to the speeding up of the Russian advance, resulting in Soviet troops catching up with the Rumanian forces.

The Rumanian General Staff communique says: "The Russians went beyond the terms of the agreement and passed our retiring troops, thus caueing local incidents." The communique adds that the Rumanian forces are continuing their withdrawal. It is reliably stated that King Carol has appealed to Mussolini directly and personally, in view of the Hungarian and Bulgarian demands. Although the results are not known, it is understood the situation appeared to be improved. The General Staff called approximately 200.000 more men to report within 24 hours, making the Army 2,200,000 strong, but after King Carol s appeal it was decided not to call 800,000 more trained reserves available. Reports of Soviet Brutality. According to the correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain, the pro-German newspaper "Curentul" says the Russians imprisoned Government officials and leading citizens of Bessarabian towns, and adds: "Dr. Borneski, German leader in Bessarabia, who was informed that he would be assassinated, fled to Rumania. Baron Flonder, Governor of Cernauti, has been arrested. Many banks have been robbed. We condemn the despotism of the Russian troops, who forgot their promises and all their humanity."

German-owned goods in Bessarabia are reported to have been seized by the Russians. The Soviet committee in Chilia Harbour seized a large quantity of wheat owned by a German company. .

The Daily Telegraph" Balkans correspondent says the Russian penetration beyond the agreed line was due to the inability of the Russian colonel to read the. map showing the new frontier. Rioting and pillaging are reported to have occurred in various Bessarabian towns. Communists and Jews at Cernauti attacked the Rumanian officials. A mob at Kishenev shot a police inspector. Refugees are crowding the roads and railways from Bessarabia and Bukovina.