STAND AGAINST AXIS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 90, 15 March 1941, Page 7

STAND AGAINST AXIS.

YUGOSLAVS RESOLUTE. LONDON, March 13. •Opposition continues to grow in Yugoslavia against the sweeping demands that are reported to have been made by the Axis. Yugoslav military circles are reported to be discussing the possibility of armed resistance. The Regent (Prince Paul) has resumed consultations with his political and military leaders. Well-informed circles consider that when Hitler recognises that Yugoslavia is determined to resist any transport of German troops across her territory he will accept a pact of "neutral friendship." The fact that more than 1.000,000 Yugoslavs have been called up, with the whole nation watchful and showing a resolute temper, is believed to have had a subduing influence on German diplomacy. The Ankara radio has announced that it has received reports that Italian and German troops are massing on the frontiers of Yugoslavia.

The Belgrade radio quotes a Berlin denial of the reports that a German ultimatum has been served on Yugoslavia. The spotlight has suddenly turned on Hungary, with the official Hungarian telegraphic agency denying that a call-up has been ordered and rumours of troops being concentrated on the frontier. "LIKELY TO BE SHELVED." According to the German radio, the question or Yugoslavia is likely to be shelved till after the visit to Berlin of the Japanese Foreign Minister (Mr Matsuoka). A recent German broadcast said that the Yugoslav question did not occupy an important place in recent news but merely one of local European significance. Of much greater import was the visit of Mr Matsuoka. According to an Ankara correspondent, Turkey's plans to meet attacks from the air are complete. The nation is calm because it is prepared. Every man, woman, and child knows what to do if danger comes. The people are fully behind the Government, which they trust implicitly.