MOSCOW TALK

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 3, 28 September 1939, Page 9

MOSCOW TALK

Concerted Pressure On

Balkans?

GOODS FOR GERMANY

(Received Sept. 27, 10.10 p.m.)

NEW YORK, Sept. 27. The Moscow correspondent of the “New York Times” says it is officially stated that the object of _ the visit of the German Foreign Minister, Herr von Ribbentrop, to Moscow is not forthcoming, but it is certainly connected with the present visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister. Many things point to a proposed agreement by which Germany will guarantee not to invade the Balkans and Russia will also guarantee not to occupy the Balkans in return for a Turkish guarantee to close the straits to all belligerents.

A promise will no doubt be extracted from the Balkan States to place their entire economic resources at Germany’s disposal. It would •be a bloodless but important German victory, extracted under a threat of bloodshed.

Turkey’s fears of seeing a great Power militarily occupy Rumania and Greece are based largely on the difficulty of defending Istanbul because' of her post-war losses to Greece, but Turkey will _ probably retain her freedom of action in the event of Italy entering the war. The agreement would bring Russia security in the Black Sea in the event of war with France and Britain. Also it would secure the sea communications for the transit to Germany of cotton, manganese, some wheat and a limited quantity of oil.

BALTIC EXPORTS

Shipments To Britain

LONDON, September 26.

The Bureau of Information says it is understood that the Swedish Government has denied that it is prohibiting the export of pulp. The representative of the British United. Press at Stockholm says that Swedish ships carrying ceUulose have not been recalled. ■ A Stockholm message says Swedisn ships carrying cellulose have been ordered to proceed via neutral waters. The President of the Board of Trade, Mr. Oliver Stanley, announced that it was Britain’s intention to maintain trade with the Baltic States and Finland as far as the war permitted. A message from Helsinki states that Finnish shipping companies have decided to continue the export service as far ns possible.

GERMAN OFFER

Wheat For Belgian Fuel

BRUSSELS, September 26. Germany has offered to exchange wheat for Belgian fuel. Belgians comment that it is curious that Germany does not fear u wheat shortage.

BELGIAN RAILWAY" BRIDGE BLOWN UP

BRUSSELS, September 26.

A ’ railway bridge at Stockem, near Arion, on the main line between Brussels and Luxemburg, was blown up last night shortly after a train bad passed. .Mines accidentally exploded, two soldiers 'being wounded

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