YUGOSLAVIA’S STAND

Evening Star, Issue 23836, 17 March 1941, Page 8

YUGOSLAVIA’S STAND

WILL DEFEND INDEPENDENCE A SURPRISE BROADCAST WISHES TO REMAIN NON-BELLIGERENT LONDON, March 16. ■Yugoslavia’s position was clarified late last night during a surprise broadcast by the Belgrade radio, in which the announcer read a statement which, though not claimed to be official, was apparently inspired. It referred to Yugoslavia’s ideals of liberty, independence, and peace, to which the announcer said, she remained faithful. “ It is the wish of Yugoslavia to remean a non-belligerent country in this international conflict, but she is determined to take up arms should the necessity arise to defend her independence. That is the reason why we must continue to keep up the strength of our fighting forces to be ready for any eventuality. “ Those who are our real friends will realise that our armed forces are only kept under arms for the defence of the county. We wish others who, perhaps, are not so friendly, to realise that any attempt to attack Yugoslavia will be met with armed force. Farther, we wish to emphasise that we Cannot be expected to sacrifice our independence for the benefit of foreign interests.” ANOTHER LULL. For the fifth time in a fortnight, there is a lull in the Balkans. The spate of rumours which have been circulating in Belgrade has died down, and any reports of negotiations between Germany and Yugoslavia are now coming from other Balkan countries. The Ankara radio reported that Yugoslavia is prepared only to sign a declar ration of non-aggression and an economic agreement with Germany. Other unconfirmed reports state that 60,000 Italians are massed on the frontier between Yugoslavia and Albania, while Germany has concentrated large forces on the northern frontier. BRITONS IN HUNGARY ASKED TC LEAVE COUNTRY LONDON, March 15. The correspondent of the Havas Agency says that the British Consulate has asked British nationals not possessing diplomatic passports to leave Hungary shortly. TAKING NO RISK MR BENDEL PERSONALLY INSPECTS LUGGAGE ISTANBUL, March 15. (Received March 16, at 8 a.m.) Mr Rendel personally inspected his party’s luggage before leaving for Ankara with members of his staff. TO RUN THE BLOCKADE GERMAN FREIGHTER READY ENEMY SHIPS SKULKING IN BRAZIL HARBOURS (RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16. (Received March 17, at 12.20 p.m.) The ‘ New York Times ’ reports that the German freighter Norderney, fully loaded with 72,000 hides and 500 tons of rubber, is about to leave Para Harbour in an attempt to run the British blockade. Fourteen Germans left by plane today to board the Norderney, which has been taking refuge at Para since the outbreak of war. At present there are eight German and 20 Italian ships anchored in Brazilian harbours. CONVOY DUTY WORK OF THE COASTAL COMMAND APPRECIATED BY SHIPMASTERS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 16. (Received March 17, at 8 a.m.) Testimony to the untiring work of the Sunderland flying boats on convoy duties is provided in a letter received by a naval control officer in a west coast port and passed by him to the Sunderland flying boat squadron of the R.A.F. The letter states: “Sir, as a shipmaster, I wish to express appreciation of the wonderful work done by the Coastal Command of the R.A.F., especially the crews of the Sunderland flying boats. On arriving at from overseas, I had another chance of seeing the R.A.F. at work day and night, and to marvel at the skill they display in locating convoys hundreds of miles from the coast. The first flying boat to appear on this recent occasion found the convoy in the early hours of the morning while it was quite dark, and we still had as an escort the pleasant company of a Sunderland at midnight the same day. I know it must be very monotonous at times to tho men of the R.A.P. Coastal Command being on patrol duty, but I would like them to know what a thrill it is to ns seamen—l know I speak for all—to see them around us and what confidence it gives ns. I would also say that we enjoy their company. After trudging along at a slow speed for 20 days or more it heartens us, and it is also a, break in our monotony .”