A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 84, 3 January 1940, Page 8

A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

Another chill wind of rumour is blowing from the Near East. According to the Belgrade correspondent of the New Yoik I imes the nations along Russia s southern frontier from the Black Sea to China are apprehensive of Soviet aggression, and military precautions are being taken in Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan. * * * * *

Turkey is reported to have moved almost half her army strength east of Sivas (a town almost in the centre of the country). The main concentrations are at Kars (near the Armenian boidei) and in the towns of Erzincan and Diyarbekir, which are situated between Kars and Sivas. The troops are placed, therefore, in a strategic triangle covering the centre of eastern lurkey.

It should not be overlooked that this concentration may be at least partly for relief purposes. The area has just experienced one of the greatest earthquake disasters in history, and no doubt the army has been called iqtoii to handle the.situation. On the other hand, there is the statement that both the Persians and the Afghans are strengthening their frontier defences, and that there is persistent talk of Red army preparations between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea—that is, in Georgia and Armenia.

Troop movements in Rumania appear to be in accord with the theory that Russia is looking further east than the Balkans. The message from Yugoslavia states.that the Rumanians have withdrawn several divisions from Bessarabia and are concentrating mainly in the Cernauti, ,Crisana and Dobruja areas. 1 his, if correct, means that Rumania is on guard against Germany, Hungary and Bulgaria, but is inclined to trust Russia.

Additional New Year messages from various capitals of Europe arc contained in this morning’s cable news. Ihe Foreign Minister of Sweden emphasizes his country s determination to maintain hei independence. Ihe Danish President of the Council, speaking with gloomv candour, remarks that he has long ceased to believe in anything.” 'fhc now-familiar story that Hitler is suffering from an incurable disease has been revived in Paris. The new version is that the Fuehrer has been given, at most, 18 months to live. * * * * * Russian bombing aeroplanes are more active over !• inland. Much damage is reported to have been done in several southern towns, but the Finnish communiques insist that the raids are not of serious military consequence. Meanwhile the Mannerheim Line is withstanding the Red pressure. . ... Britain has notified the League of Nations that she is giving aid to Finland. The precise nature of it is not disclosed, but it is said to be substantial. In the United States a move is afoot to arrange a 50,000.000-dollar munitions loan to the little republic.

Still another tip-and-run Nazi air raid is reported from the Shetland Islands. No damage was done to warships and the only casualties on land were three sheep killed.