NO EFFECT ON GREEKS

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1941, Page 5

NO EFFECT ON GREEKS

Invasion Plan Secret [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, February 23. “The Times” Sofia correspondent says: German troops began crossing the Danube at several place s on Friday, but the movement was discontinued on Saturday, ' even the Pontoon bridges being lifted. No reliable explanation can be found for the sudden postponement of German action. Some diplomatic sources Believe the Germans are making another propaganda campaign to exert pressure .on th e Greeks, before really marching into Bulgaria. The Germans apparently plan a silent occupation, without officially announcing their arrival. Large quantities of food have been ordered to be ready next week at several points in SouthBulgaria, which means that the Gormans expect to have crossed the Staraplanina Mountains by then. LONDON COMMENT RUGBY, February 23. While there is no official comment on Mussolini’s Rome speech, the following points are regarded as worthy of notice: Firstly, the statement that Italy has in reality been at war since 1922, “when the flame of our revolution first blew,” is clearly designed as a counter to criticism that antiFascist elements needlessly led the country into war in June, 1940. Secondly, no prospect is held out that Italy’s position will improve from her own effort. Thirdly, hope seems to be pinned on the “good things of Spring,” and on German assistance, the strength and irresistibility of which is said to be illustrated by the fact that even Scandinavia is in the German sphere of influence. Fourthly admissions are made that in East Africa, Italy fights without hope of reinforcement. Fifthly, the huge industrial potentiality of the United States is also admitted. Sixthly, the statement that Italian prisoners in the Greek theatre of war numbered only a few thousand is not borne out by the latest Greek estimates of between 15,000 and 17,000. Mussolini’s statement, “It was necessary to attack Greece, and all the army leaders agreed,” seems to indicate the decree of disquiet the Greek disasters have caused in Italy. The Greek war is not adjustified, it would seem, except as an unfortunate military necessity.

Turkey’s Policy AGAINST AGGRESSION, (Received February 24, 9.55 p.m.) ANKARA, February 24. M. Sarajoglu, Turkish Premier, gave an interview to the newspaper “Ulus,” which asked him for an exact definition of Turkish policy since the signing of the Bulgarian-Turkish accord. He said: “The Turkish policy has not changed. Turkey remains faithful to her alliances. We have decided to live on good terms with all Powers,' and particularly 'our neighbours. Turkey could not in any way remain indifferent to foreign activities in her zone of security. Turkey will offer armed opposition to all aggression that is directed against her territorial integrity and independence. The Turkish-Bulgarian accord is an undertaking between States wishing to safeguard peace, who declare that they will not take part in any aggressive aim whatsoever. Turkey would welcome similar manifestations in other quarters. TO DEFEND HERSELF (Received February 24, 9 p.m.) ISTANBUL. February 23. M. Sarajoglu, Turkish Premier, issued a statement to the effect, that Turkey would honour all obligations. She would defend herself if she went attacked-