EYES ON RUMANIA

Evening Star, Issue 23444, 8 December 1939, Page 7

EYES ON RUMANIA

SOVIET’S BALKAN AIMS THINLY-VEILED THREATS " COMING EVENTS CAST THEIR SHADOWS "

LONDON, December 6. A message from Moscow says that tbe ‘Communist International,’ in an article declaring that the Rumanian minorities and workers are oppressed and exploited, urges a Russian and Rumanian mutual aid pact similar to the Soviet pacts with tho Baltic States, saying that it is “ necessary for tho bright and peaceful development of the Rumanians.” “ Coming events may be casting their shadows before them,” says ‘ The Times,’ referring to the article. A further article warns the Turks against being involved in British and French designs to extend tho war to the Balkans and form an anti-German front there. The similarity of this article and one appearing on Sunday in the ‘ Voelkischer Beobachter ’ threatening Asia Minor with Russian invasion, suggests close collaboration between Moscow and Berlin. Replying to tho ‘ Communist International ’ article, official circles m Bucharest declare that Rumania is ready to examine any proposals in keeping with her neutrality, but would not make territorial concessions or compromise her independence. “If Rumanians attacked she will certainly defend herself.” WARNINGS TO POWERS, The Moscow radio last night warned Italy to keep out of the Russian-Finnish struggle. The announcer said: “ Italy wants to turn Finland into a second Spain. She is Europe’s reactionary-jn-chief, and wants to struggle with the newly-created Finnish People’s Government just as she did with the suppressed People’s Government in Spain. We will not tolerate such interference.” He added: “We also warn Sweden that she has no business to send detachments of so-called volunteers to Finland’s aid ; Such support cannot prevent Finland’s liberation, but will gravely endanger Russian-Swedish relations. SOVIET TACTICS. Commenting on Russia’s attack on Finland, a military writer in the ‘ Sydney Morning Herald ’ states that the Soviet’s advantage in numbers allows her to adopt aggressive tactics against small neighbouring States. On the other hand, the writer says, it cannot he safely overlooked! that Russian tactics-of military irritation might be extended to the Balkans or tp the regions of Inner Asia lying eastwards of Turkey, She has built many strategic railways in the Transcaucasian and Turkestan provinces, and recent manoeuvres have shown that, if the necessity arose, she could employ military pressure from Iran to the' borderland of India. Thus, any embroilment of Russia with outside countries, as a result of an invasion of Finland, while not changing the character of the war in Western Europe, might easily give it more of a world-wide nature. HINT TO TURKEY. The ‘ Communist International * article warning Turkey also declares that owing to a rapprochement between the Turkish ruling classes and British and French Imperialists Turkey’s independence Is now seriously threatened. It adds; “ No matter how responsible Turkish circles may try to embellish their pact with Britain and France they cannot alter the fact that Turkey concluded a mutual assistance pact with belligerent Imperialistic Powers, and thereby entered the arena of war.” The ‘ New York Times ’ Rome correspondent says: “Italy cannot be expected to aid Rumania in the event of a Russian attack. It is not a vital Italian sphere like Hungary and Yugoslavia. Italy might be content with helping Hungary and strengthen her to face Russia, whereupon Hungary would try to seize Transylvania, after which much would depend on Germany’s attitude and the extent of the Allies’ aid. Rumania and Italy would have to defend their interests on the Rumanian line, saying to Russia; ‘So far, but no further.’ ” The ‘ New York Times ’ Budapest correspondent says there is a general andl probably correct assumption in the Balkans that if the Soviet, strongly demanded Bessarabia Rumania would surrender it. Turkey and Yugoslavia would not assist Rumania merely to retain Bessarabia. “ The danger is more extensive demands, bucked up with threats. Germany is more than ready to share in a general partition.In such case a clue to the future remains with Italy.”

AMERICA'S NEUTRALITY UNDERSTOOD BY BRITAIN NEW YORK, December 7. (Received December 8, at 8 a.tn.) Mr Joseph Kennedy, the Ambassador in London, has arrived. Ho said that the British Government had not the slightest belief that the United States would participate in the European war. “ They understand our position, I think,” he said. “ Thero-is the problem of determining just what we mean when we express great sympathy with their cause and at the same time express determination to stay neutral. It is like sticking your tongue out at a fellow and yet not being ready to punch him on the nose.”