READY TO FIGHT

Grey River Argus, 18 March 1941, Page 5

READY TO FIGHT

YUGOSLAVIA’S ARMY — Balkan Uncertainty Remains [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.i (Received March 17, 9.45 p.m.) LONDON, March 16. Military preparations in Yugoslavia continue on the grand scale. It is estimated that two-thirds of the front line troops have now been called up. Their morale is excellent. The troops are everywhere on the march. The sides are full of aeroplanes. The Yugoslavian Army is requisitioning more and more buildings. LONDON, March 16. Yugoslavia’s position was clarified late on Saturday night during a surprise broadcast from the Belgrade radio. Therein the announcer read a statement which, though not claimed to be official, was apparently inspired, lie referred to Yugoslavia’s ideals of liberty, independence .and peace, to which, the announcer said, she remained faithful. He said: “It is the wish of Yugoslavia to remain a non-belligerent country in this international conflict, but she is determined to take up arms should tlie necessity arise to defend her independence. That is the reason why we must continue to keep up the strength of our fighting forces and 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 country. We wish others who, perhaps, are not so friendly, to realise that any attempt to smack Yugoslavia will oe met with armed force. Further we wish to emphasise that we cannot be expected to sacrifice our independence for the benefit of foreign interests.

GERMANY AND YUGOSLAVIA

LONDON, March 17. “The Times” Ankara' correspondent believes the Germans will not ven ture to attack Greece without the use of the Bard Valley, and also the Struma-Metsa Passes. He says: At present there is no indication that Germany will gain these facilities from Yugoslavia without fighting. Germany, thus far. has made no official demands to Yugoslavia, and, is still investigating what concession Yugoslavia is prepared to make.” PACT OVERTURES. GERMANS AND YOUGSLAVS DISAGREE. I [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received March 17, 11-5 p.m.) LONDON, March 17 The London “Daily Telegraph’s” Belgrade correspondent says: “Germany has thrice made representations to Yugoslavia, seeking her cooperation in the new order., but Yugoslavia has merely offered to exclude “foreign influences,” and to sign a non-aggression pact, which offer Germany has refused. GERMAN TROOP DISPOSITIONS.. (Received March 17, 825 p.m.) LONDON, March 16. The Belgrade*correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain states: “Large numbers of German troops are reported to be moving up to the Russian —Roumanian frontier, the defence of which Germany a few weeks ago entrusted to Roumanian troops. Considerable German activity continues along the Greek-Bulgarian frontier.”

SWISS PRECAUTION LONDON, March 16. The Swiss radio announced that the Government has called up an unspecified number of reservists. It is officially stated that the purpose is to safeguard neutrality, in view of forthcoming developments in the war, though it is not expected to be threatened. Snow and Rain IN BULGARIA LONDON, March 17. The weather provides the most cheerful week-end news about the Balkans. Heavy rain and snow falling over a wide area' will substantially slow down the German troop movements’. Every day gained is worth something to the British and Greeks.

TURKEY AND YUGOSLAVIA LONDON, March 17. “The Times” Ankara correspondent says: “A few weeks before the Germans marched in Bulgaria, Turkey asked Yugoslavia whether she wa’s prepared to participate in a defensive arrangement. Yugoslavia was then unwilling to undertake more than the defence of her own frontiers,_ but is probably showing greater interest now.”