WITHDRAWN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24530, 12 February 1941, Page 7

WITHDRAWN

BRITISH MINISTER BREAK WITH RUMANIA SEQUEL TO NAZI MOVES MASSING OF TROOPS (United Press Association) (By Electric ph—Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 10 From Bucharest it is reported that the British Ambassador. Sir Reginald Hoare, has demanded his passport and has informed the Rumanian authorities that Britain has broken off diplomatic relations with that country This was done because it was obvious that Rumania is now almost entirely under German control. Not only have the Nazis taken possession of the Air Force, but they have also established anti-aircraft bases.

It will be recalled in connection with the withdraws' of Sir Reginald Hoare and his staff from Rumania, that some months ago German troops began to arrive in Rumania in small numbers At this time the head of the Rumanian Government informed the British Minister that these German troops had come to Rumania “to instruct the Rumanian Army in modern methods of warfare.” Some instruction has no doubt been Imparted, but the essential development is that the German High Command Is building up in Rumania all the elements of an expeditionary force, and has concentrated at various strategical points large quantities of munitions and oil fuel Rumanian territory is thus being used as a military base in furtherance of the German plans for prosecuting the war. These measures are being taken without a word of dissent from the Rumanian Government In these circumstances the post of a British Legation has become impossible and Sir Reginald Hoare has been instructed to withdraw his mission and the consular office which is under his control (t is stated in London that Britain may declare Rumania to be enemy-occupied territory A message from Bucharest states that 150 British subjects are expected to go to Istanbul immediately with Sir Reginald Hoare and his staff of 50. Sir Reginald bade farewell to General Antonescu. The United States Embassy is handling British affairs. “A GRAVE WARNING” MR CHURCHILL’S SPEECH WASHINGTON, Feb. 10. (Received Feb. 11, at 10.50 p,m.) The British Ambassador, Lord Halifax, after an hour’s talk with the Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, commented on Britain’s break with Rumania. He said that Britain might not stop there, adding that Mr Churchill issued a “ very grave warning ” to Bulgaria in his broadcast on Sunday.