SOVIET TROOPS ENTER NEW TERRITORY

Southland Times, Issue 24165, 29 June 1940, Page 5

SOVIET TROOPS ENTER NEW TERRITORY

(United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Received June 29,1.15 a.m.) LONDON, June 28. Rumania has accepted a Russian ultimatum for the occupation of the northern provinces of Bessarabia and Bukovina and Russian forces have already crossed the border to carry out the first stage of the occupation. It is reported that troops have occupied several important towns, including Cemauti.

The Rumanian Minister in Moscow conveyed the Rumanian Cabinet’s acceptance of the demands and at the same time asked postponement of full occupation for a few days. Russia’s answer was to send mechanized units and troops across the border. Earlier reports state that Rumania asked for a conference between representatives of both countries, but this was refused.

Bukovina and Bessarabia lie along the Russian border. The population of these provinces is comprised mostly of Rumanians. Bukovina is rich in timber and minerals.

Russia’s latest move in the Balkans has naturally caused a stir in the neighbouring countries. Rumania is fully mobilized against possible action by Hungary. The Bulgarian Cabinet has met to review the situation.

There is much speculation about the attitude of Italy and Germany to Russia’s move. It is not in the interests of either country that Russia should have access to the Rumanian oil wells and that she should increase her influence generally in the Balkans.

Six members of the Cabinet including M. Gigurtu, the Foreign Minister, resigned as a protest, it is believed, against complete submission. Their places were promptly filled, M. Argetaionu replacing M. Gigurtu. M. Taturescu remains as Premier.

It is reported from Istanbul that the battleship Yavuz, formerly the Goeben, and three smaller units of the Turkish Fleet left for the Black Sea for the purpose of policing Turkish coastal waters.