Allies’ interest In New Rumanian Organisation

Northern Advocate, 25 January 1940, Page 5

Allies’ interest In New Rumanian Organisation

(Received 1 p.m.) RUGBY, January 24

The setting up in Bucharest of a central organisation with the object of co-ordinating the production, home consumption and export of oil, announced today, has attracted attention here and in France, not merely because of the substantial Anglo-French interests in certain of Rumania’s oil companies, but also in view of contracts entered into in Rumania for the supply of oil to the Allies. Regarding the question of supplies the new development is being watched closely, as some difficulty in obtaining export licenses has recently been experiened. Close Contact Maintained

Close contact with the Rumanian authorities is being maintained by the British Minister in Bucharest, however, and it is believed the Rumanian Government fully appreciates the British Government’s desire to be put in full possession of the facts. It can be stated that all the proper steps will be taken to ensure the contract for the supply of oils to Britain are fulfilled, and excessive supplies are not diverted to Germany as a result of enemy pressure. Internal Needs Cause Board

A cable from London reports that Britain had approached Rumania regarding the creation of the petroleum commission, and of another commission to control metallurgical factories and iron and steel foundi’ies. The Rumanian official news agency states that the creation of the new board was dictated solely by internal needs, and should no give reasqn for apprehension abroad.