Molotoff's Four Conditions To Nazis

Northern Advocate, 9 October 1941, Page 5

Molotoff's Four Conditions To Nazis

MOSCOW, October 8. Replying to Hitler's allegations regarding M. Molotoff's four conditions at the Berlin meeting on November 12, 1940, the Soviet spokesman (M. Lozovsky), said that, first, M. Molotoff raised the question of the withdrawal of German troops from Finland, as the Soviet perceived that Germany was maintaining troops there with the intention of forcing Finland into war against the Soviet. Secondly, Hitler, contrary to the 1939 Russo-German Pact, did not consult . Russia regarding the sending of German troops to Rumania. The Soviet could not be oblivious to the fact that Hitler was also preparing Rumania as a jumping off ground for an attack on Russia. Thirdly, it was clear that after the despatch of German troops to Rumania, a German threat was hanging over the Balkans. The Soviet attempted to offer a helping hand to Bulgaria, but the Bulgarian Government was not even able to enter into negotiations. Assurance To Turkey Fourthly, Germany several times suggested that the Soviet was anxious to seize the Dardanelles, but it was well known that the Soviet last March assured Turkey that in the event of an attack'she could count on Russia’s full understanding and neutrality. This assurance had displeased Germany.M. Lozovsky added: “If what Hitler says is true, why did he issue a communique after the Berlin meeting saying that he and M. Molotoff had agreed on all important questions?”