VAST RESOURCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23708, 15 July 1940, Page 7

VAST RESOURCES

RUSSIA MOBILISING BALTIC TO SIBERIA TROOPS MOVING NORTH By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received July 14, 6.50 p.m.) -LONDON, July 13 After journeying across Russia a correspondent of the British United Press reports that the Soviet is mobilising every ounce of its vast resources from the Baltic to Siberia, in order to reach its maximum military strength and maintain strategic positions on all fronts.

Enormous streams of tanks and troops are moving to the Baltic. There is great activity on the transSiberian railway, which is carrying endless freight traffic, mainly military supplies. Basic food seems to be plentiful in Russia, the correspondent adds, although a shortage of consumer goods exists.

Moscow is crowded with trade delegations, mostly German, who are constantly under official surveillance. The Germans hate not attempted to conceal their hostility toward Russia, and the Russians have plainly indicated that their activity in the Baltic and in Rumania is for defence against Germany.

The relations between Sir Stafford Cripps, British Ambassador, and M. Molotoff, Premier and Foreign Commissar, are reported to be most cordial.

The Moscow radio reveals Russia's interest in Transylvania, Western Rumania, and describes the situation there as complete chaos, with Rumanian soldiers deserting and all the gold transferred to Germany. The Bulgarian-Rumanian frontier area is deserted. Rumanians are removing all their valuables and possessions from the Dobrujn.

The Iranian Legation in London has announced that it is authorised to deny unconfirmed reports that Soviet troops are marching into Iran.

LEGLESS PILOT AMAZING DETERMINATION RETURN TO AIR FORCE NOW FLYING A FIGHTER (Received July 14, 6.30 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, July 13 Behind a report that a pilot of the Royal Air Force Fighter Command, who had lost both legs in a pre-war air crash, recently shot down a Dormer 17 into the sea while piloting a Hurricano fighter, lies a human story of pluck and determination.

After passing through the Air Training School with a great reputation for athletic achievement, the pilot was commissioned in the Royal Air Force. He had a bad crash after losing control of his machine, and as a result both his legs had to be amputated, one completely and the other at the knee. The pilot was invalided out of the service. Increasing skill in the use of metal legs enabled the pilot to play games again, and when war broke out he so impressed a medical board that he persuaded the doctor to send him for a test to the Central Flying School. The pilot was passed for active service with a lighter squadron, and began Hying Spitfires. Now he is leading a squadron of Canadian airmen. A few weeks ago he had a minor crash and damaged his metal legs. A mechanic straightened them out and he was in the air again within a few hours. ADMIRAL'S SON ARRESTED LONDON, July V2 Admiral Sir Barry Domvile's son Compton, aged 20 years, lifts been arrested under the defence regulations.