CRISIS IN RUMANIA

Evening Star, Issue 22881, 12 February 1938, Page 15

CRISIS IN RUMANIA

NEW GOVERNMENT FORMED KING CAROL'S PROCLAMATION Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 11. The British United Press correspondent at Bucharest. reports that King Carol issued the following proclamation to the people:—“l have formed a Government of men who are conscious of responsibility. They will proceed to eliminate politics from the country’s administration by modifying the Constitution and adapting it to the country’s needs. The new measures will correspond to the mentality of all those loving the country. They will be the heroic ones.” The proclamation was issued after a Cabinet meeting was held at the palace lasting until after 3 a.m. STRAINED RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA LONDON, February 10. The ‘ Daily Telegraph's ’ diplomatic correspondent says: “ A secret official inquiry in Bucharest indicates a deliberate Russian plot to close down the Soviet Legation. M. Butenko’s chauffeur has not been discovered. Russian and Rumanian relations have deteriorated since the fall of M. Titulescu as Foreign Minister. Ho secured from Moscow recognition of Rumanian

sovereignty over Bessarabia, which Rumania occupied in war time, but his successor, M.. Antinescu, clumsily allowed Moscow to reopen the issue. Bucharest believes that Russia wants to deny King Carol’s right to rule in Bessarabia, and is presenting circumstances supporting a story that Rumanian Fascists murdered M. Butenko, whereas it is believed that he motored secretly to a rendezvous on the plains outside the city, where an aeroplane boro him to Russia. THE HEW PRIME MINISTER HEAD OF ORTHODOX CHURCH. BUCHAREST, February 11. Monsignor Miron Cristea, patriarch of Rumania and head of the Orthodox Church, has agreed to form a Cabinet. It' will include seven former Premiers, all without portfolios. The British United Press correspondent at Bucharest says a decree signed by King Carol and the new Premier, Monsignor Cristea, places civil administration throughout Rumania under military control. COMPOSITION OF HEW CABINET POSSIBILITY OF DICTATORSHIP. BUCHAREST, February 11. (Received February 12, at 8 a.m.) Jews throughout the country are discreetly celebrating the fall of Dr Goga, and the newspapers suppressed under bis Ministry are preparing to reappear. “ Israel, you’ve conquered,” declared Dr Goga. Referring to seven ex-Premiers, he said: “ These men brought the country to its present unfortunate position. It is what one would expect from such a Government. King Carol asked me to join, but I refused.” Simultaneously with the army decree 66 new prefects, 60 of which arc colonels and lieutenant-colonels, were appointed by the new Cabinet, which has a Coalition Centre with a slight tendency to the Right, and includes six Liberals, three Rumanian Front members, two National Democrats, and one National Peasant Party member. It is expected to show disfavour to all extremists, and is regarded by some observers as a thirl:] step to move King Carol to establish a personal dictatorship. It is expected that the elections will be postponed, and that he will abolish Parliament when ho is ready. ADVANTAGE TO BRITAIN AND FRANCE SETBACK FOR ROME-BERLTN AXIS. PARIS, February 11. (Received February 12, at 8 a.in.) Dr Goga’s downfall is regarded by tlie Press as an advantage to France and Britain and a setback for the policy of tiro Bome-Berliu Axis.