BALKAN TENSION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21577, 13 February 1940, Page 5

BALKAN TENSION

Turkey Unearths Spy

Network

Were Awaiting Signal

From Berlin

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 10.

Tension in the Balkans has heightened since Turkey has uncovered evidence of a network of Nazi agents ready to perpetrate explosions and train wrecks at a signal from Berlin.

It is stated in Turkey that it is now impossible to allow Germans to remain in strategic positions.

It is alleged that German agents caused an explosion on the steamer Tin tern Abbey, on January 30.

A spokesman for th” Governor of Istanbul, however, denied that Germans had been ordered to leave Turkey. Meanwhile, Italian-Turkish trade negotiations have been successfully concluded. Some foreign observers see significance in the agreement as paving the way for Italian action in the event of a Russian move on the Balkans. Informed circles in Rome state that Italy’s policy remains that of supporting every effort to maintain peace in south-eastern Europe The Rumanian Cabinet has approved the decisions of the Balkan Entente, the Foreign Minister <M. Gafencu) emphasising the solidarity of the member Slates.

EXPORT TAX ON OIL United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright BUCHAREST, February 11. Rumania has imposed an export tax on the products which Germany most needs, namely 13 per cent ad valorem on crude oil and all its derivatives, from 10 to 25 per cent on vegetable oil, oil productive seeds and plants and on cereals, except wheat and maize.

Elaborate precautions have been completed to provide Russian oil for the German war machine with Bulgaria’s help. Baku oil will be sent from the Caspian Sea to Batum. The oil will then be shipped across the Black Sea and unloaded at the Bulgarian port of Varna.

The Bulgarian State railways will then carry the oil to Ruschuk, on the Danube, from whence it will reach Gerjnany via the Danube.