IN THE BALKANS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1940, Page 5

IN THE BALKANS

ROMANIA’S DECREE!

A TOTALITARIAN STATE.

(United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). BUCHAREST,. September 15. King Michael has issued a decree proclaiming that the structure, of tho State henceforth shall be totalitarian. The foreign policy will be based on that of the Axis. The Iron Guard will be tho only party to be recognised. General Antonescu becomes the State Leader. • He has announced the formation of a Government of whom seven out of twelve are ministers of Cabinet and Iron Guard members. It is understood this Government lias been formed under strict German supervision.

A decree declares that Roumania becomes a “National Legionary State” aiming to benefit the people morally and materially. . .. The Iron Guard leader, M. Luca Sturdza is Foreign Minister. King Michael-has decreed 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 crimes and releases 14 inen who plotted against King Carol in 1934.

GERMAN MINORITY MOVE. LONDON, September 14. A Renter message from Bucharest states tjhat Hihe German minority |in; Roumania, which now totals aVout 750,000, is renewing its demands for autonomy, and clashes have been reported between Roumanians and uniformed Germans. AH the main German buildings are guarded by contingents of youths in the uniform of the Nazi Black Guard. Representations on behalf of the German minority have been made in Parliament, and the Prime Minister (General Antonescu) has .been presented with a restatement of minority demands. The" Germans want selfgovernment, exemption from military service, the use of the German language, and place names, . and their own military forces.

It will bo remembered that. Hungray had to submit to similar demands in .payment for the concessions of the Vienna Award. -