MOSCOW'S DENIAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24634, 16 June 1941, Page 5

MOSCOW'S DENIAL

REPORTS OF NAZI THREATS "SHEER PROPAGANDA" NO DEMANDS FROM BERLIN LONDON, June 13. The Moscow radio broadcast an official denial that Germany was threatening Russia. It said: " Before the arrival of Sir Stafford Cripps in London, but particularly after his arrival, rumours were spread about the proximity of war between the Soviet Union and Germany. They are completely absurd, and are sheer propaganda, for which forces hostile to Russia and Germany can be blamed. These forces are anxious to spread the war.

" Responsible circles in Moscow consider it necessary to authorise a categorical statement that Germany has not presented any demands and has not sought closer collaboration. There could be no question of any alleged negotiations. Germany, and similarly Russia, are strictly observing the nonaggression pact, and there is no misunderstanding between the two. Thtdespatch of German troops to northeast Germany, is apparently connected with purposes not related to Russia." Russia's Independence

Reliable reports from Russia emphatically contradict the theory that the German Army's tremendous superiority over the Russian Army has so scared Russia that she will do anything to stave off a German attack, says the Ankara correspondent of The Times It is believed that Russia considers the establishment of German military and political power in the Balkans so prejudicial to her interests and the situation arising fromi it so grave that Stalin has been induced to assume offlcia l power to cope personally with a new situation fraught with danger. Stalin certainly would not undertake a policy of aggression, but would never accent conditions which openly or covertly, curtailed Russia's independence and placed her under foreign subjugation Stalin knows that German control, however cleverly disguised, would mean that. Russia might agree to minor concessions uut would rather fight than sacrifice ner sovereign rights It is reliably reported that Germany has concentrated 120 divisions on the Soviet frontier from the Baltic to the Black Sea and that Russia has 140 divisions along the German and Rumanian frontiers. Many still believe that the German concentrations are meant to screen another major military enterprise, probably against Britain, and are simultaneously designed to obtain from Russia closer political and economic co-operation.

THE RUSSIAN ARMY , OBJECT OF MANCEUVRES 'Rec. 9 p.m.) ' LONDON, June 13. According to a message from Moscow, the Tass Agency stated that the Red Army's present exercises as well as the forthcoming manoeuvres, are aimed to train reserves <-nd to check up on railroads. It is therefore ridiculous to describe these measures as inimical to Germany. y •The Times says that the number of planes which Germany has moved to other theatres of war and to the Russian frontier is reflected in the scale of the raids against Grea,t Britain There have been many nights recently; on which large-scale raids against Great Britain would have been possible, but many of the planes normally stationed in France have been sent to Greek. Jugoslav and Rumanian bases.