RUSSIA’S MOVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24327, 18 June 1940, Page 7

RUSSIA’S MOVE

ANOTHER ULTIMATUM ESTONIA AND LATVIA CONCESSIONS DEMANDED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, June 17. Russia has issued an ultimatum to Estonia and to Latvia demanding concessions similar to those obtained from Lithuania. Russia claims to have definite proof that a military alliance existed between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, this being detrimental to Russian interests. The Estonian Government is reported to have agreed to the demanded is stated, without confirmation. to have resigned. A message from Moscow states that the official news agency says the Soviet sent an ultimatum to Estonia and Latvia alleging that Latvia extended the Estonian-Latvian military alliance against • the Soviet by drawing > in Lithuania and attempting to draw in Finland. Such alliance was not only not permissible and unbearable, but was profoundly dangerous and menacing to the Soviet, The President of Lithuania, General Smetona. left the country after the entry of Soviet troops, M. Merkys, the former Prime Minister, is temporarily assuming the presidency. The Lithuanian Government announced that increased Soviet garrisons were necessary in order to strengthen the security of eastern Europe. Russians Occupy Estonian Towns A message from Helsinki states that Russian troops have occupied several Estonian towns and have crossed the Latvian frontier. Aeroplane connections between Helsinki and Riga have been severed. A Berlin message states that Latvia accepted the Russian demands. A message from Tallinn states that the Estonian Government resigned after accepting the Russian demands. According to a message from Moscow, M. Smetona and members of his Cabinet have gone to Germany, where they have been interned.