GERMANS IN RUMANIA

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23232, 20 January 1941, Page 9

GERMANS IN RUMANIA

TURKEY WATCHING POSITION ANTONESCU MEETS NAZI LEADERS (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPTEIOHT.) (Received January 18, 6.10 p.m.) LONDON, January 17. • Reports from Turkey state that from 20 to 25 German troop-carrying aeroplanes are arriving in Rumania daily, together with motorised and other units. It is estimated that at the present time there are 150,000 German troops in Rumania, and it is likely that this figure will soon be doubled or even trebled, The position is being watched very closely by, Turkey. It is denied that there are any British troops in the Balkans. Turkey realises her heavy responsibility to each of the Balkan States, and should Turkey herself be attacked, she has her defences ready. The Rumanian dictator (General. Antonescu) is reported to have met Nazi leaders somewhere in the Bavarian Alps. It is believed that the situation in south-eastern Europe, particularly in Rumania, was discussed. It is believed probable that Germany will take over Rumania as a “protectorate.” Tension between Rumania and Hungary, and friction between Rumania and Russia has created a situation full of danger for the Germans. Germany’s difficulties are being increased by the outbreak of typhoid, smallpox, and influenza in south-east-ern Europe, which is reported, to be reaching the proportions of an epidemic. It is particularly severe in the Danubian grain port of Galata, where many German troops are stationed. The food shortage Is producing almost famine conditions in some areas, owing to the Germans having confiscated the railways for the carriage of troops and for the carriage of coal supplies to Italy. The food position is acute in Rumania, and there is a shortage also in Hungary and Jugoslavia, where the people are becoming increasingly embittered against the Nazis. Several people were killed in a demonstration in Bucharest against the food shortage. Commenting on the situation In south-eastern ’Europe, an Istanbul newspaper remarks that while the countries that have thrown in their lot with the Axis, are suffering hunger, privation, and slavery, the democracies stand calm and firm. After Italy’s defeat in North Africa and Greece, and the hastening of United States’ aid to Britain, Bulgaria now realises the true position. The situation is clear even for a child to see. CANADIAN WHEAT* FOR SPAIN • MADRID, January 18. England and Spain have reached an agreement under which Canadian wheat from stocks in England and Canada will be shipped to Spain in Spanish vessels.