“RUMANIA IS NOT PRO-NAZI”

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 13235, 10 January 1941, Page 5

“RUMANIA IS NOT PRO-NAZI”

MUCH SABOTAGE GERMANY GETTING ONLY SMALL PORTION OP OIL OUTPUT London, Jan. -8. On his arrival from Rumania, where he was six years installing petroleum equipment, Mr H. G. Austin, said the position in Rumania was much more favourable than people were led to believe. The impression that Rumania was pro-Nazi was quite wrong. He said he was not surprised at the present conflicts, and was sure the acts of sabotage would increase, compelling the Germans to send more troops if they were to obtain benefit from the resources of that country. Mr Austin said he had received figures showing that Germany was not getting more than one-fifth of the available oil from Rumania. He doubted whether, with the Danube frozen over, the Nazis were getting one-tenth of the supplies. The Rumanian output of refined oil was about 5,000,000 tons yearly. Clashes Not Confirmed There is no confirmation in London of reports of serious clashes between rival factors in Rumania, says British Official Wireless. While it is known that sharp differences have arisen -within the Iron Guard, and the Germans may be faced wih the necessity of making the invidious decision of supporting the moderate section ranged behind the Antouescu Government or the extremists who claim to represent the policy of Codreanu, reports that are current in the Press as to . the development of an internal quarrel are regarded in official quarters as much exaggerated. The suspension of telephonic corn-' munication between Bucharest and the outside world has been represented as contributory evidence of disturbances within the country, regarding which there is a noteworthy absence of circumstantial detail. There is, however, reason to believe that the severe weather recently experienced throughout south-eastern Europe fully accounts for this breakdown of communication. The only interference with external communications, due to other causes, has arisen owing to the requisitioning by the Germans of. a line to replace one which is down through snow. Telegraphic contact between London and the British Minister at Bucharest has been maintained. »