Yugoslavia Is Key To Mediterranean Action

Northern Advocate, 4 May 1940, Page 8

Yugoslavia Is Key To Mediterranean Action

(Received 2.30 p.m.) . LONDON, May 3. VUGGSLAVIA IS THE CENTRE OF SPECULATION AND THE POSSIBLE TOUCHSTONE FOR ANY ACTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. Italy has already protested against Yugoslavia’s recent defence measures. Belgrade officials point nut that they are due to the arrival on the Albanian frontier of Italian workmen, who are generally believed to be troops. The Yugoslavian officials and Italian and German diplomatic circles tonight declared that nothing had happened to alter the character of Yugoslavia’s non-aggression treaties with Italy ant Germany.

Malian Press In Bitter Mood. The tone of the Italian press is harsh and belligerent. Newspapers publish news of the movement of the Allied fleets, but give first place “to the Allies’ cruel defeats in Norway, which are the first hard blows to proud Albion.” The newspaper “Lavora Fascista” says that the myth of Britain’s invincible naval power has gone, and that it hardly seems timely that an attempt should be made to intimidate Italy. Several British merchantmen are reported to have left Italian ports. Italian ships continue to operate to schedule. The Belgrade correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says the Italian legation is reported to be removing some documents to Rome and destroying others. The police have arrested 250 Germans. The Italian Airline has suspended the Italo-Abyssinia ser- - vice via Egypt and Libya. Six Italian bombers bound for Abyssinia, landed at the Cairo airport.