The Hawera Star. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 1924. RUSSIA’S WARLIKE ATTITUDE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 August 1924, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 1924. RUSSIA’S WARLIKE ATTITUDE.

Delivsred :ry evening by 5 o’clock in Hawera, Manaia. N'wmanby. Okaiavva, Eltham, Mangatcki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakeuc Manutahi, Alton, Hurley ville, Patcfl, Waverley, Mokoia, Wbakatnara, Oiiangai, Mereraere. Fraaer Road, and

The reports concerning the relationship between Russia, and Roumania indicate that considerable tension exists, the Russians desiring to gain possession of Bessarabia, a province which formerty belonged .to Russia, but which was handed to Roumania when the peace treaties of 1919 were framed. The province is very fertile, and agriculture is the chief occupation of its mixed population. It has been the cause of many disputes in the past, but Russia’s desire to take control at, the present time is probably connected with her wish t-Q secure Constantinople and thus have an outlet to the Mediterranean. Russia has changed in many respects as a result of the Revolution, but some of her old ambitious desires appear to have undergone no change. For generations past Russia has looked at Constantinople and longed to take it and the narrow straits connecting the Black Sea with the Mediterranean. While the Great War was in progress and before the Revolution her prospects c / securing Constantinople were bright, but she lost the opportunity. But the Soviet appears to be determined to make a bid for greater power in SouthEastern Europe, and Roumania, being an interested State in that, she needs an outlet to the Black Sea, is naturally resisting the attempt bv Russia to take

Bessarabia, which would probably be a preliminary to later operations along the coast line further south. Some time ago it was reported that France was assisting Roumania by sending her munitions, and shortly after came news of the great explosion of munitions in Roumania, due it was thought to Communist activities. The question of Russia and the control of Constantinople is one in which all the Balkan States will be interested, and, as in years past a stubborn resistance has been made against Russia’s efforts to extend her power to the Mediterranean, the Balkan States will no doubt combine to resist her again if she makes further efforts. France and Britain will also be interested, and no doubt practically the whole of Europe is watching very closely the dispute over Bessarabia. Russia may not be ready to take the initiative, but the fact that warships are moving, that the Red Army is concentrating, and that Roumania is preparing to resist the Russian plans may be taken as signs of trouble approaching. After the war numbers of German officers went to Southern Russia, and they may be connected with the trouble. Fiery speeches made by the leaders of the Bolsheviks from time to time do not encourage a belief that their aim is peace, and it would be very interesting to know what is taking place behind the scenes. As a British Government return showed recently, the Russian Army is larger than that of any other nation in Europe, and if Trotsky and his can see a way to use the army to thei’r advantage we/ may be sure that they will not hesitate. South-eastern Europe may again be the scene of serious trouble before long. *•