Russo-German Position Still Befogged, But Tension Grows

Northern Advocate, 21 June 1941, Page 5

Russo-German Position Still Befogged , But Tension Grows

(Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 20. THE RIDDLE OF RUSSIA REMAINS UNSOLVED. WHILE 1 REPORTS INDICATING TENSION WERE STILL CIRCULATING TODAY, A TELEGRAM FROM MOSCOW TO ANKARA STATED THAT THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF ANY CRISIS THERE, NOR WAS THERE ANY INDICATION OF MOBILISATION. “Nothing is known in Moscow of demands either from Germany .or Rumania,” adds the telegram. “Responsible observers, indeed, profess grounds for the belief that neither has made any approach to Russia.” A broadcast message from Ankara said the German and Rumanian preparations may be a gigantic bluff. Most well-informed diplomats contend that they are, but many observers at Ankara contend that the war preparations on both sides have reached a magnitude going far beyond the bluffing stage. The message concluded with the curious statement: “It is reported from London that the Russians have shown complete lack of interest in Britain’s proposal of aid if Germany attacks the Soviet. It is argued that this indifference to Britain’s help shows that the Russians are not too worried about a coming war. 1 ”

> Bribes To Finns, Rumanians The Germans are promising the Finns and Rumanians the return of the territory those countries lost to Russia. The main German striking force is an arc formed by the East Prussian, Polish and Rumanian frontiers. The correspondent draws attention to the fact that the Germans have carefully excluded all anti-Soviet whispers from their jubilation about the Turko-German treaty. Finland is reported to have mobilised for war. The Government has followed up the calling up of reserves with sharp restrictions on civilian traffic on the railways in order to facilitate military preparations. The Finnish newspaper “Helsfngin Sanomat” says: “Causes beyond Finland’s control may give events a turn jeopardising our peace and liberty to such an extent that we will be forced to defend them with everything in our power. Finland will not attach herself to any league of powers for dishonourable action.”

The “Uusi Suomi” says: “A RussoGerman clash must concern us, as it would concern our eastern neighbour where with whom we have a long common frontier, bnd a country with which our relations have become closer and stronger.” Demands Repeated

It is reported from Istanbul that Germany has repeated the demands which M. Molotoff refused m Berlin in November, covering the exchange of technicians, the furnishing of war materials, better arrangements of traffic and transport between Germany and Russia and also the division of political zones of influence.

The report of tension between Germany and Russia, it is suggested in some quarters, has been started by Germany to conceal moves by Hitler in other directions. Some believe that this action may be a prelude to Germany launching an attack on Britain, which he will find alert and well prepared. Civil Defence In Soviet

The “Daily Express” says the Moscow radio was heard announcing that more and more provinces, especially the Ukraine, were carrying out civil defence practice, including antiaircraft and searchlight tests. Ukrainian troops had entered upon large manoeuvres of Alpine units. The “Daily Mail” says it is admitted in Bucharest that the Rumanians have taken certain military measures, but are acting independtntly in so doing. The measures are not connected with political events, and must not be regarded as preparations for military steps against Russia.