Late News

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 3, 28 September 1939, Page 10

Late News

IMPORTANT MOVES LIKELY IN MOSCOW Military Pact With Germany?

GUARANTEE GIVEN RUMANIA ; BALTIC BLOC EFFORTS (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.) Received Sept. 28, 1.50 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 27. A communique emphasizing the normal relations between the Soviet and Rumania states that a declaration by the Russian Premier, M. Molotov, guaranteeing Rumania's neutrality has been handed to the Rumanian Minister in Moscow, states a message from Bucharest. The Red Army commander has also contacted the Rumanian Army chief at the frontier, emphasizing Russia's desire for Rumanian neutrality. The Moscow representative of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that Herr von Ribbentrop's arrival in Moscow today, coupled with the reports of the possible formation of a new Balkan and Near Eastern bloc, has led Soviet diplomatic sources to believe that sensational developments can be expected. A Russo-German military alliance is not ruled out.

Some observers hint at the posibility that Turkey will be asked to act as an intermediary in a new bid for peace. It is reported from Bucharest that the Turkish Foreign Minister’s visit to Moscow might lead to negotiations between Italy and the Soviet for a Balkan pact under which Turkey, Rumania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Greece and Hungary would, unite as a neutral bloc guaranteeing the status quo of the Eastern Mediterranean with the backing of Italy and the Soviet. It is understood that Hungary is willing to waive her claim to Transylvania and Rumania will seek to settle the Bessarabian issue with the Soviet.

It is regarded as significant that Herr von Ribbentrop decided to go to Moscow after hearing the broad terms of the Turkish Foreign Minister’s intended conversations.