TENSION EASIER

Opotiki News, Volume III, Issue 324, 22 October 1940, Page 4

TENSION EASIER

TURKS CONFIDENT GERMANS IN BALKANS FEWER THAN BOASTED STATUS OB GREECE. POWERS OF RESISTANCE (New- by Cable.) ' LONDON, Oct. 20. The Istanbul correspondent ol The Times says that the Turkish mind is now easier about the Balkan situation. The number of German troops, being sent to Rumania does not suggest that the Germans plan an early further advance.

According to reliable information reaching Turkey, the number of Germans in Rumania does not exceed 20,000. It is doubtful whether the number on route is over 20,000,

Military planes observed Hying over Bucharest since the German occupation have nearly all been Rumanian machines. It is not believed that Germany can spare many planes for Rumania. Doubtless the Germans are not averse to reading reports in the foreign press that there are 200,000 German troops in Rumariia, with hundreds of aircraft.

Pressure on Greece Such stories give from two to three German divisions an intimidation value of 12. It is believed that the reported visit of Italian and German Ministers to the Prime Minister of Greece, General Metaxas, with a series of demands also originated in circles interested in creating an atmosphere of alarm of which the Axis takes advantage. There has always been Axis pressure on Greece besides other Balkan States. Turkish well-informed circles art of the opinion that this is being accentuated, but considering the present military situation, also the Axis desire not to start war in the Balkans, the Turks think that Greece can continue to resist.