HASTENING DEFENCES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 121, 20 April 1940, Page 8

HASTENING DEFENCES

' PRESERVING INTEGRITY. VIGOROUS MEASURES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) , LONDON, April 18. ' Nations from Holland to Turkey are hastening preparations to defend their integrity. .Rumania has taken a big step towards political unity by the appointment to the Grand Council of the leaders of the dissident Liberal Peasant Party, who have withdrawn their opposition to the National Renaissance Party. King Carol has also acknowledged the allegiance of the Iron Guards. Rumania has decided on the vigorous control of all foreigners for the prevention of propaganda incompatible with neutrality. / It is learned that further important fortifications are being constructed in the frontier districts, where many troops are stationed. Turkey is expanding her safety measures. M. Belioglu (former Minister of Economy) lias been arrested for distributing 1 pamphlets criticising the agreements with England and France. The Government is empowered to extend the service of reservists from six weeks to four months. SLAV CO-OPERATION. Yugoslavia’s anxiety is exemplified by M. Tsvetkovich’s appeal to Bulgaria for collaboration. “The South Slavs should learn a lesson from the events which have overtaken the Central European Slavs. Yugoslavia and Bulgaria must stand together and help each other to safeguard their independence and preserve the Balkan peace,” he said. The other European neutrals are similarly extending their precautions. A Swedish Bill is being introduced for increasing the penalties for treason and espionage, and- “oilier offences harmful to the security of the country.” . . Foreigners are forbidden to visit ports or travel by car from one town to another. Those working in harbours are compelled to abandon their jobs. Holland has decreed that foreigners must fill in a control card detailing themselves and the purpose of their visit. The police searched Fascist houses in Harlem and discovered stocks of arms.