Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9, 1940. RUMANIA INVADED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 267, 9 October 1940, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9, 1940. RUMANIA INVADED.

The first fruits of tbe Brenner Pass meeting- at the week-end have been plucked by Germany in tlie invasion of Rumania. The full purpose of those discussions between Hitler and Mussolini may now have been laid bare, and tlie long- anticipated Nazi south-eastward expansionist movement has been initiated. The entrance of German troops into Rumania has been tentatively explained as due to Hitler’s desire to “protect the rich oil fields from British sabotage.” The excuse is too trivial to stand examination, but the foundation for it was carefully and skilfully prepared by the Nazis these past months. The German act of aggression need perhaps cause little surprise in the light of Germany’s desperate need for all of Rumania’s oil and of events that have taken place. The technique is but slightly different from other instances the Nazis have made famous. The compulsory transfer of part of Transylvania to Hungary; the return of Southern Dobruja to Bulgaria ; tlie abdication of RingCarol and the elevation to the monarchy of the boy King Michael, together'' with the return of liis mother to be an influence and guide to her son; the promotion of the Iron Guard to political authority and the declaration of General Antonescu that Rumania now looks to the Axis for her material welfare; and finally the outrages on British subjects in Rumania have all been more or less part of a carefully prepared plot by Nazi Germany to bring Rumania to the point where invasion must be necessary—and here the Nazi technique is again seen in all its vileness—to protect the weaker people or its resources from supposed enemies.

Occupation of this considerably truncated State, whatever its extent, brings Germany' to the Black Sea with control of the Danube basin and adds one more stretch of territory to the encirclement of Itussia by the Axis Powers and their ally m the Ear East. The Soviet, indeed, has been completely outmanoeuvred al along by Hitler. How long Hungary and even Bulgaria can find themselves free from the menace of a “protecting” Power, remains, most doubtful. Yugoslavia now finds herself in a most awkward predicament. Mussolini has not acquiesced in this latest act of aggression without hope of some reward,'and Italy’s-seizure of Albania in 1939 gives her a bridgehead upon the Balkans that was designed for some future act of aggression. It may well be Yugoslavia’s turn next with Mussolini as the aggressor. There are many Albanians living in that State, and posing, sis their protector he'can manifest,the necessary interest in their welfare whenever he chooses. Already he has

shown concern for the Albanians living in the historic Grecian province of Epirus opposite the heel of Italy, on the lonian Sea, and their “liberation” is but a matter of pretext to cause a rupture with the Greeks, so that Mussolini can gain control of important. strategic points now in possession of Greece. The policy of “protecting” small countries has succeeded well for both Italy and Germany, with Russia also a participant in the aggression. The position of the Balkan countries which are still independent cannot be other than despairing.