THE NAZI CLAMP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24433, 19 October 1940, Page 9

THE NAZI CLAMP

CLOSING ON RUMANIA SOVIET’S PREPARATIONS LARGE REINFORCEMENTS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyrightv LONDON, Oct. 17. (Received Oct. 18, at 8.30 p.m.) The Balkans correspondent of The Times says that refugees confirm the .reports of the continued arrival of large reinforcements of Russian troops, including detachments of queer-looking tanks about which the Soviet troops are boasting. “ These will give our German friends something to think about.” they say The Axis is rapidly extending its grip on Rumanian communications. Germany is reported to have demanded the right to control ■ll roads in Rumania. The Italians are forming a company to provide fresh tonnage for oil transport on the Danube Germany is showing interest in the Vlach minority in Jugoslavia as part of the campaign of disruption from within. It is reliably reported that the German Minister at Bucharest is urging , the Rumanian Government to sponsor the claims of the Vlachs for snecial treatment The origin of this scattered minority is uncertain. They were once, considered Greek, but lately they have been encouraged to regard themselves as Rumanians. • The Bucharest correspondent of the Associated Press says German circles stated that 150 bombers and fighters have arrived in Rumania and a further 150 are expected to-morrow, with 800 pilots, mechanics and instructors. The Balkans correspondent of The Times says that, .according to authoritative Berlin sources, the Germans intend to continue the air attack against Britain and maintain a fair proportion of armed forces in Western Europe in order to keep Britain in check while the Axis is preparing large-scale operations in the Near East, aiming to break the blockade and implying a drive across the Balkans - through Asia Minor, to the Persian Gulf. It is now confirmed that M. Bagrianoff (Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture), when visiting Berlin, was accompanied by Bulgarian staff officers in mufti, who met members of the General Staff. • It is stated that both Hungary and Bulgaria have agreed in principle to thfe entry of German troops. The occupation of Bulgaria would sooner or later be followed by an ultimatum to Tur ey to permit the passage of troops to the Near East or. face the consequences'. '... ~ V.'.^. 1! ... . .' : ■' ■■