RUMANIA’S PROBLEMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 September 1940, Page 8

RUMANIA’S PROBLEMS

TROUBLE IN TRANSYLVANIA [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, September 15. Cheering crowds greeted Queen Helen when she drove with her son, King Michael from the station at Bucharest to the Royal Palace, after her son had met her at the Jugoslav frontier, and had ridden with her in the train. Supporting the soldiers lining the route were 1500 of the reinstated Iron Guard. Girls in national costume strewed flowers alone the route. After their triumphal drive their Majesties attended a Te Deum in the cathedral. General Antonescu was also present. Bucharest citizens fell on their knees in the streets while a prayer for the future of tile nation was broadcast. It is now* revealed that General Antonescu nad intended to form a national government, including Liberal and Peasant Party representatives, but they refused when they heard that the Iron Guard was to have a majority. A semi-official message from Budapest states that for 10 days before the cession of Northern Transylvania Rumanian forces carried out a reign of terror among the Hungarians living in the district. The leader of the Peasant Party (Dr. Maniu) was accused of abetting the disorders, in which several persons were killed, and six men and two women brutally illtreated. The part the Iron Guard played in this was not clearly defined, said the message. It is evident that a state of crisis continues to exist between Hungary and Rumania. Hungary completed occupation of the ceded territory on Friday, and the area is now under a military governorship by the Chief of the General Staff. The Regent of Hungary (Admiral Horthy) yesterday entered Cluj, marking the climax of the Hungarian occupation of Transylvania. A crowd of 100,000 took part in a triumphal procession through the town, and the whole day was given over to festivities.

Bulgarians to-day began the occupation of their portion of Southern Dobrudja, which will be completed by the end of the month.