ANXIETY IN BELGRADE

Southland Times, Issue 24104, 18 April 1940, Page 7

ANXIETY IN BELGRADE

FEAR OF GERMAN COUP THREATS BY NAZI CONSUL-GENERAL ITALY MOVES TROOPS IN ALBANIA (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Rec. April 17, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON, April 17. The Belgrade correspondent of The Times says that Herr Neuhausen, German ConsulGeneral and self-styled Nazi gauleiter of Belgrade, in an abusive speech at a Press reception, said: “Germany will forbid the export of newsprint to Yugoslavia unles the Yugoslav Press changes its attitude and prints more news from German sources about events in the north. Moreover, the German Press will work up a violent campaign against Yugoslavia and the Reich will lodge an official protest.”

The correspondent adds that reports of Italian naval manoeuvres, coupled with reports of Italian troop movements in Albania, combined with the presence of large numbers of “German tourists” in Belgrade, created distinct anxiety in Belgrade. Reports from various sources support suggestions that the Germans may be planning a coup against Yugoslavia, using as a pretext the need of protecting shipping on the Danube.

The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. Paul Spaak, speaking to the Senate, said that the Government would not accept any suggestion for Belgian abandonment of neutrality and complete independence. The Belgians were emotionally watching Norway’s effort. “Her position is similar to ours,” he added. “We are most determined to defend our national soil.” The Brussels correspondent of The Times says that many inhabitants of Luxemburg, fearing an invasion, have moved to Namur and other Belgian towns. The Germans are reported to have erected 21 pontoon bridges across the Moselle at intervals of 300 yards. A disquieting number of German “tourists” are entering Luxemburg. A message from Brussels says that the authorities have arrested several aliens.

The Swedish radio, which is intermittently jammed, announced that all ports in southern and western Sweden were closed to foreign shipping, except Gothenburg, entry to which was forbidden without special permit.

While air raid precaution measures were being extended throughout Sweden alarms were sounded in several towns. Coastal batteries and warships fired on two aeroplanes believed to be German. One made a forced landing on the island opposite Gothenburg. The Rumanian Minister of the Navy (General Paul Teodorescu) introduced a Bill in the Chamber of Deputies providing for the immediate application of “extraordinary measures in all Rumanian ports and territorial waters.”