IN THE BALKANS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1940, Page 5

IN THE BALKANS

SOVIET ATTITUDE ON THE RIVER DANUBE, (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, September 13. Russia lias informed Germany that since the Soviet Union is a State bordering on the Danube, she .must lake part in discussions about the river.

This is revealed by the Russian Tfiss News Agency, which says that Germany lias called a conference to be held in Vienna to modify tile existing international status of the Danube. Russia takes the view, it says, that she must participate in. any discusenssions about the Danube. Russia has also protested to Rumania against incidents on Wednesday, in which Soviet border guards are said to have been fired on from the Rumanian side of the frontier. In Rumania King Michael has deeieed a political amnesty. Relations are becoming strained with the German minorities, which, are pressing their demands for autonomy. The decree' reprieves a number of men sentenced for political ciimcs and releases IT men who plotted against King Carol in 1934. A, Reuter message from Bucharest states that the German minority in Rumania, which now totals about 750,000, is renewing its demands .for autonomy, and clashes have been reported between Rumanians and uniformed Germans. All the main German buikjings are guarded by contingents of youths in tile uniform of the Nazi Black Guard. Representations on behalf of the German • minority have been made in Parliament and the Prime Minister (General Antonescu) lias been presented with a restatement, of minority demands. The Germans want-self-govern-ment, exemption from military service, the use of the German language, and place names, and their own military forces.

It will be remembered that Hungary bad to submit to similar demands in payment for the concessions of the Vienna Award.