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Evening Star, Issue 23560, 26 April 1940, Page 7

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NAZI TROUP CONCENTRATIONS TRANSPORTS LEAVE BALTIC PORTS AALAND ISLANDS MAY BE OBJECTIVE SWEDEN THE MOST LIKELY VICTIM Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 24. Reports from various European sources indicate that , there has been a concentration of German troops along the Baltic coast. It is stated that transports have been equipped at Danzig, Memel, and other ports and that several _of these ships have put to sea during the last few days. It is reported that ice-breakers are included among the ships, although there is no ice left in the South Baltic. There is, however, still ice in the northern section, the Gulf of Bothnia, and this directs attention to the Aaland Islands which are strongly garrisoned by Finns. It is from this region also that there have been repeated reports of the violation of’ Swedish neutrality by German planes. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Paris correspondent says:/ .“ German concentrations at Baltic ports and aerial activity over Sweden are producing sombre forecasts of Sweden’s destiny. Troops are reported to be concentrated at Bornholm, Memel, Konigsberg, Danzig, and Stettin, from which transports laden with German detachments have sailed during the last few days. Nothing has since been heard of them, but the presence of ice-breakers leads to the assumption that one of the German objectives may be the Aaland Islands. Forty German planes are seen over Sweden every day. The Germans claim that this is accidental.’’ French military circles understand that the embarkation of German troops from Baltic ports is continuing steadily. Five German mine-sweepers entered Swedish territorial waters in the Skagerrak, but left immediately they were intercepted by Swedish patrol boats. Repented violation of territory by Nazi planes continues. Sweden is floating a £30,000,000 defence loan. f A German trade delegation has arrived in Stockholm. The Swedish Parliament has passed a compulsory military service .law, applying to all citizens between 16 and 60, to operate when necessary. SWEDEN’S POSITION STANDS FIRM FOR NEUTRALITY ■ ), — l — Official Wireless.) •RUGBY, April 25, (Received April 26, at H. 15 a.m.) Although suggestions from the Continent that Germany intends to invade Sweden are received here with the greatest reserve, it is stated in authoritative circles that any fresh aggression on the part of Germany anywhere must be a matter of instant concern to Britain. It is also recorded that Sweden has officially stated her intention, in pursuance of her neutrality, of resisting improper demands made upon her. BELGIAN CABINET RESIGNATION ANNOUNCED DISSENSION OVER EDUCATION MEASURE BRUSSELS, April 25. ' (Received April 26, at noon.) The Cabinet has resigned because Liberal Cabinet members opposed the Government’s education measure, AMERICAN WARPLANES HUGE ALLIED PURCHASES FINANCING NEW PLANTS WASHINGTON, April 25. (Received April ■ 26, at 11.30 a.m.) The Allied Purchasing Mission announced that it had signed contracts for 200,000,000d0l worth of aircraft and engines in the past fortnight. It added that the Allies were financing new plant construction for three United States aircraft and engine manufacturers. CANADIAN TROOPS FURTHER CONTINGENT ARRIVES LONDON, April 25. (Received April 26, at noon.) A further contingent of Canadians, accompanied by Newfoundland troops, arrived at a porth-west port. GUARD DUTIES ENDED TORONTO SCOTTISH RELIEVED (British OfficiaK Wireless.) RUGBY, April 25. . (Received April 26, at 10.20 a.m.) The King and Queen watched the Toronto Scottish Regiment march away this morning at the end of its guard duties at Buckingham Palace, when it was relieved by the Grenadier Guards,