Dramatic Development in Nazi-Soviet Mystery

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 144, 19 June 1941, Page 5

Dramatic Development in Nazi-Soviet Mystery

Still Another Rumour of "Momentous Decision”

Large German Concentrations on Norwegian Coast

United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Beeeived Wednesday, 8.50 p.m. LONDON, June 17. The Nazi-Soviet mystery developed dramatically to-day with the heightening of Baltic tension, and large-scale troop movements on the coast of Norway and Swedish accusations against Finland of complicity in the German plan. Berlin-inspired sources hint that Hitler is on the eve of a momentous decision and it is widely expected that in the next few days he will bring unparalleled surprises. The Stockholm newspaper Dagensnyheter declares that Finnish military eull-ups and evacuation practice coupled with reports that German transports are proceeding via Bothnia to Norway indicate that Finland is appreciably changing her neutrality policy. < The paper adds that when the Finnish representative iu Moscow was reproached for Finland’s friendliness towards Germany he is reported to have answered: “KussianGerman friendship is so conditional that Finnish neutrality has reached the problematical stage.” All reports indicate that the Germans are concentrating large military and naval forces on the west coast of Norway. It is stated that mary troops and marines have passed westwards from Oslo and ships, including transports, are constantly moving through the Skaggerak. The Norwegian coastal region is now a fully prohibited area. • The Moscow radio announced a big scale drive for the military training of Russian youth in Bessarabia. Rumania is feeling the effects of the war of nerves. A blackout has been imposed throughout the country and petrol restrictions have been tightened. The Daily Mail says Russia is “on the verge,” although she may yet yield to the German economic demands. Stalin would then build up for a war of revenge while the Nazis elsewhere faced Britain and the United States. Germany is therefore possibly taking the view that it is necessary to destroy the Soviet army now.

Travellers who have arrived from Spain by the clipper report that the shortage of food is likely to prevent a German invasion which, however, is widely feared.