GERMAN ARMY

Grey River Argus, 19 March 1941, Page 5

GERMAN ARMY

IN BULGARIA Increase to 800,000 BRITISH READY TO DEFEND GREECE. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received March 18, 9.35 p.m.). , LONDON, March 17. The “Daily Mail’s” Istanbul correspondent states: —Faced with determined Greek resistance, which, immediately Germany attacks, will be supported fully with British Empire forces, Germany dare not add the formidable Yugoslav army to this opposition. Germany knows that the Yugoslav politicians might agree to the passage of German troops, but the Yugoslav army would not accept their signatures. Because of this. Germany has realised the inadequacy of her forces in the' Balkans, for which reason Germany is increasing her troops in Bulgaria from 250,000' to 800,000.

Yugoslav Army PROVING GERMANY’S STUMBLING BLOCK. “The Times” Belgrade correspondent states: Many Germans fare quitting Belgrade, where the; situation remains tense. The correspondent continues: “After the failure of efforts to procure the demobilisation of the Yugoslav army, Germany’s diplomacy is now attempting to induce Yugoslavia to hand over large stocks of food reserves which have been accumulated for military purposes. There is no chance of Yugoslavia agreeing. “It is revealed that Yugoslavia, in addition to offering Germany a pact of friendship, sought also a guarantee for Yugoslav neutrality, this to embrace a guarantee that Germany would make' no attack on the port, of Salonika, where Yugoslavia has free port rights, and large economic interests. This demand is reported to have taken the Germans aback.”

Reported Soviet Offer TO SEND AID TO YUGOSLAVIA. (Received March 18, 8.35 p.m.). LONDON, March 17. i The “Daily Telegraph’s” Ankara correspondent states: Turkey, and presumably also Greece, Save received the terms of the Soviet Note sent to Yugoslavia, which has been responsible for the Yugoslavs’ firmness. It is reported that the Note, firstly, told Yugoslavia not to sign th e ’ Tri-Partite Pact, because it would mean war in the Balkans. Secondly, it gave an assurance of Russian technical and financial help, and also planes, if Yugoslavia should be attacked. Thirdly, it asked Yugoslavia to inform Russia 48. hours before announcing any decisions. Yugo-Slav Ministers I PACT WITH GERMANY FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (Received March 18, 8.35 p.m.) LONDON, March 17. The “Daily Mail’s” Belgrade correspondent reports: Two Yugoslav Ministers are going to Germany on Tuesday to sign a pact of non-aggression and of perpetual friendship between Yugoslavia and Germany, after whicn changes are expected in the Yugoslav Cabinet, in order to ensure fuller and smoother economic co-operation with Germany. Turkey Ready TO FIGHT WITH BRITAIN SPJ-RK MAY SOON FIRE IN BALKANS (Received March 18, 8.45 p.m.) ISTANBUL, March 17. A Turkish semi-official spokesman strongly re-affirmed Anglo-Turkish solidarity. He said: “There is full accord on a realistic plan and on conditions under which Britain's and Turkey’s mutual engagements would operate. There is perfect conformity of each country’s vital interests. Turkey’s attitude has not changed. She is firm, strongly armed, and watchful.” He added that the situation is such that a‘ tiny spark might set ablaze the whole Balkan peninsula. The danger had now reached Turkey's doorstep. DEATH OF TITULESCU. CANNES, March 17. Nicolas Titulescu. the former Roumanian Foreign Minister, died here

FURTHER LULL

In Albanian War (Received March 18, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON. March 17. Fighting in Albania further slowed down on Monday. Artillery exchanges were the main activity. Reports from Athens indicate thac the offensive which the Italians launched in Albania seven days ago is now slackening. Last night s Greek communique merely said,: “Artillery fir? of varying intensity.’' An official Athens estimate the results of the enemy’s offensive efforts says: “It failed to suppress our offensive, .our counter-attacks following each attack. The results of this success are among the most, important we have yet won, especially as the enemy’s attempt was. preceded by long preparations, as immense quantities of ammunition were brought together, and important forces engaged, far in excess of our own." ! Italian Losses GREEKS ESTIMATE 48,000. (Received March 19, 12.40 a.m.) LONDON, March 18. “The Times’s” Athens correspondent says: There is now little doubt that Italian casualties in recent fighting averaged in killed and