GERMAN MANOEUVRE AGAINST RUMANIA FEARED

Southland Times, Issue 23772, 21 March 1939, Page 7

GERMAN MANOEUVRE AGAINST RUMANIA FEARED

KING CAROL TAKES PRECAUTIONS ON FRONTIER (United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Independent Cable Service) (Received March 20, 11.40 p.m.) LONDON, March 20. Reports of increased military activity in Hungary, including the calling up of reservists, many of whom have been sent to the Rumanian frontier, are regarded with misgiving in London. It is considered that Germany might incite Hungary to attempt to regain the Hungarian minority area from Rumania; then Germany would attack Rumania, on the grounds that it was necessary to help Hungary. The Budapest correspondent of The Times says it is estimated that Hungary has mobilized 400,000 men, for which the “pacification of Ruthenia” is an inadequate excuse. It is officially stated in Budapest that the Hungarian troops have attained all objectives in Ruthenia. Two hundred thousand Rumanian troops are mobilized in block houses and dug-outs along the Hungarian frontier, awaiting Germany’s next move. King Carol has decided on just sufficient military measures to prevent a sudden “smash-and-grab” raid in the north. Reports from northern Rumania say that Russia is moving large numbers of troops to the Rumanian border, where fortifications are being rapidly constructed. The Daily Telegraph learns that Turkey definitely does not desire a common' frontier with Germany, and is prepared to resist a German occupation of the shores of the Black Sea. Turkey, however, does not believe that such an invasion is imminent, as Herr Hitler must protect his flanks before he makes such a move. This involves the practical absorption of Hungary—a step which, even with the consent of the Hungarian Nazis, further complicates the position of Italy in the Rome-Berlin axis.