NOTE OF DISCORD

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 13, 16 January 1941, Page 9

NOTE OF DISCORD

SOVIET AND GERMANY

NAZIS IN BULGARIA

NEWSPAPER COMMENT

LONDON, January 14

The categorical terms in which the Soviet Government, through the official Tass Agency, denied that the question of German troops in Bulgaria had ever been raised with Moscow is noted and fully accepted in Britain. No other implications are read into the announcement. Its effect is not regarded as a sensational challenge to Germany, and there is no disposition in official quarters to discuss where Soviet interests lie in regard to the matter. The incident is examined against the background of recent history in certain newspapers, and, though the "Manchester Guardian" expresses the view that "it almost looks as if a showdown between Germany and the Soviet Union can hardly be avoided in the near future," this is not shared elsewhere. The "Daily Mail" regards it as at the most a note of discord, adding: "We should not, however, interpret this sharp comment as further evidence of strained relations. Rumours of dissension between Moscow and Berlin should be treated with reserve and their source should be regarded with suspicion. It cannot be too often stressed that Russia has no interest in ending this war quickly. Certainly she has no intention of coming into it herself. She is not out to help Britain, and those who believe to the contrary inhabit a fool's paradise." No light can be thrown on-the reported summoning of the Rumanian Premier, General Antonescu, to Berlin, which Rumanian and German officials in Bucharest deny. However, the Bucharest correspondent of the "Daily Express" says General Antonescu has already left the capital in a special train and is reported to be en route to the Wilhelmstrasse. He adds that the Rumanian General Staff is becoming restive about the size of the German instruction army. Three German divisions are stationed in Dobruja immediately to the north of Bulgaria.

The Sofia radio announced tonight that the 1941 class of conscripts, due to be called up on March 1, must report to their local military commands tomorrow.

It is revealed in Bucharest that Germany imported 1,450,000 tons of oil from Rumania in 1940, compared with 1,285,000 tons in 1939.

HOW D.F.C. WAS WON

TWO NEW ZEALANDERS

LONDON, January 14,

, The citation to the award of the D.F.C. to Flying Officer Guy Jerrold Menzies (a New Zealander, but not to be confused with Squadron Leader Guy Lampton Menzies, who was reported missing in November) states that he carried out 17 operational sorties totalling 39 flying hours as pilot. He possessed a keen sense of duty and made evey endeavour to reach his target except when forced to return because of adverse weather. He displayed great courage and determination.

The citation concerning Acting Flight Lieutenant Leonard Ernie Clark ("the Flying Farmer," who flew solo from England to New Zealand in November,

1936), who has also received the. D.F.C, states that he had been in command of a reconnaissance unit flight since July 1. During this period he carried out some 25 reconnaissances over occupied territory. The results obtained were Of inestimable value to the intelligence staff and the squadrons concerned. His displayed exceptional devotion to duty and splendid leadership.

Such of the cable news on this page as Is so headed has appeared in '"The Times" and ia cabled to Australia and New Zealand by special permission. it should be understood that the opinions are not those of "The Times" unless expressly stated to be so.

By special arrangement Reuters world service ln addition to other special sources of information Is used in the compilation of the overseas Intelligence published in this issue, and all rights therein In Australia and New Zealand are reserved.