BANKS OCCUPIED BY RUSSIANS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24820, 9 March 1946, Page 2

BANKS OCCUPIED BY RUSSIANS

ACTION IN BERLIN “ ALLIES NOT WARNED ” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON. March 8. "The Russian action in occupying the head office of the largest private banks, all in the Russian sector of Berlin, and arresting executives, was not a breach of any quadripartite agreement, according to British officials,” says the Berlin correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.” “Nevertheless, such a unilateral action was considered regrettable, as the other Allies were also interested in the banks.” The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says; “After occupying the banks Russian troops put directors in one room and employees in another. Three directors were arrested and the others were allowed to go home After qaestioning. “The employees were informed that they were dismissed, and were warned that they would be arrested if they again appeared at their offices, which the Russians then closed and sealed. “The banks occupied include the Central Bank, in which German securities were lodged.” The correspondent adds: “No explanation Is available for this arbitrary Russian action, of which the other Allies were not warned.”