WAR ITEMS

Grey River Argus, 20 January 1941, Page 10

WAR ITEMS

[Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, January 17. The Vichy Government expects the Germans to move into Bulgaria, and declares that the Soviet has agreed to this step. The Moscow radio, however, has repeated , Lie denial made by the official Tass Agency that Russia had approved of the invasion of Bulgaria. The Turkish radio said ■ that if Germany invaded Bulgaria the Axis would be open on another front. LONDON, January 17. The Roumanian dictator (General Antonescu) is reported to have met Nazi leaders somewhere in the Bavarian Alps. It is believed that the situation in south-eastern Europe, particularly in Roumania, was discussed. It is believed probably that Germany will take over Roumania as a “protectorate." Tension between Roumania and Hungary, and friction between Roumania and Russia has created a situation full of danger for the Germans.

Germany’s difficulties are being increased by the outbreak of typhoid, smallpox, and influenza in southeastern Europe, which is reported to be reaching the proportions of an epidemic. It is particularly severe at the Danubian grain port of Galata. where many German troops are stationed.

The food shortage is producing almost famine conditions in some areas, owing to the Germans having confiscated the railways for the carriage of troops and for the carriage of coal supplies to Italy. The food position is acute in Roumania, and there is a shortage also in Hungary and Yugoslavia, where the people are becoming increasingly embittered against the Nazis. _ Several people were killed in a demonstration in Bucharest against the food.shortage.

Commenting on the situation in south-eastern Europe, an Istanbul newspaper remarks tljat while the countries that have thrown in their lot with the Axis are suffering nunger, privation, and slavery, the democracies stand calm and firm. After Italy’s defeat in North Africa and Greece, and the hastening of United States’ aid to Britain, Bulgaria now realises the true position. The situation is clear even for a child to see.

150,000 Nazi Troops FLY TO ROUMANIA. LONDON, January 17. Reports from Turkey state that from twenty to twenty-five German troop-carrying aeroplanes are arriving in Roumania daily, together with motorised and other units. It is estimated that at the present time there are 150,000 German troops in Roumania, and it is likely that this figure will soon be doubled or even trebled. The position is being watched very closely by Turkey. It is denied that there are any British troops in the Balkans. Turkey realises her heavy responsibility tu each of the Balkan States, and should Turkey herself be attacked, she has her defences ready. DUBLIN, January 17.

Mr De Valera received the following cablegram from Singapore: “Irishmen in Malaya most heartily endorse the views expressed ty the North Irish, and implore you to abandon neutrality, and take a rightful place alongside the British Commonwealth of Nations, immediately, in order to crush Hitlerism, and all it stands for. Irishmen throughout the world outside Eire, are lighting for, and helping Britain, so for tne love of Eire, go to it.’’ NINE SHIPS LOST. DUBLIN, January 17. It was announced in the Dail that nine Irish ships had been sunk off the Irish coast since the outbreak.