DRAMATIC EVENTS LOOM I BALKANS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 60, 11 March 1944, Page 5

DRAMATIC EVENTS LOOM I BALKANS

RUMANIA'S PLIGHT

Russian Gains Hasten Day

Of Reckoning

N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 1 p.m. LONDON, Mar. 10. It has been evident for some time that Rumania is fast approaching the end of her tether, says The Times Ankara correspondent. The folly of her present leaders sent the Rumanian Army to fight for the Germans as far away as Stalingrad and the Caucasus, exposing it to heavy losses and Rumania to Russia's resentment.

The Rumanians have seen fearfully the day of reckoning approaching with every Russian victory. That day is very near. All reports reaching Turkey from Rumania agree the Rumanians are fully aware of this and are demanding with increasing insistence that something should be done to save them from further calamities. Finland's example is preying on their minds. Therefore, it would not be surprising to hear one day of Rumania making peace overtures. The chances are that Bulgaria and Hungary would follow Rumania's lead, causing a collapse of the German position throughout the BalSigns of Disintegration This picture of the situation may be over-sanguine, but in view of the signs of disintegration which are already apparent in the Balkans, events may develop precipitately and lead to sudden and momentous results. The Balkans are so vital to Germany for reasons of strategy, food and supply that the Germans may be expected to do everything possible to maintain their hold. The summoning of the heads of the Rumanian Government to Hitler's headquarters had no other motive than to reassure waverers and bully into obedience those who were recalcitrant. Events may yet force the Balkan rulers to take matters into their own hands without paying attention to orders from Berlin.

Nazis Will Defend to T.ast

The Times Stockholm correspondent says a military spokesman in Berlin indicated Germany's intention to defend the approaches to Nikolayev and Odessa to the uttermost. They must keep the Russians from Rumania as long as possible, not only because of the vital Rumanian oil but for the equally vital political considerations connected with the wavering loyalty of the Balkan countries. The position of the Axis troops isolated in the Crimea is causing anxiety to Germany, as conditions are rapidly deteriorating in the Ukraine, and Russian warships are endangering sea communications with the Crimea. , . The Russians, if they gain Nikolayev and Odessa, will virtually control the waters between the Crimea and Rumania, causing the Germans in the Crimea to depend on the air for supplies.