RUMANIA JOINS PACT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21820, 25 November 1940, Page 5

RUMANIA JOINS PACT

Great Ceremony In Berlin “No Mere Formality” By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received November 24, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 23. With great ceremony at the Chancellery the Rumanian dictator, General Antonescu, signed a protocol by which Rumania joins the German, Italian and Japanese Pact of September 27. The other signatories were von Ribbentrop and Signor Buti, chief of the Political Department of the Italian Foreign Office. Neutral journalists were present. The protocol briefly records that Rumania joins the pact. Her representatives will be admitted to the joint technical committees provided for in Article four as far as they are concerned with questions affecting Rumanian interests. The protocol will operate from the date of signature. General Antonescu, after signing, made a declaration that the protocal was no mere diplomatic formality but an act of reorientation of the Rumanian State and a contribution to the reconstruction of Europe and the world, besides the defence of modern civilisation which is being safeguarded by the victory of the States united under the Three Power Pact. National Socialist Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan make a compact and indestructible bloc embracing a quarter of a millard people who have joined hands to establish a better and more just order in the world. Von Ribbentrop and a detachment of Hitler’s own bodyguards met the Rumanian delegation on its arrival, and also escorted it to the railway station with full military honours after the conversations. The Slovak Prime Minister (Dr Tuka) is to visit Berlin next week to hold discussions with Hitler. The Moscow radio has denied a report that Hungary's adhesion to the Axis pact was brought about with the co-operation and full approval of the Soviet. The announcer stated that the report corresponded to the truth in no way whatever. The Rome radio stated that the Bulgarian Prime Minister (M. Filoff) and the Foreign Minister (M. Popoff) are going to Berlin on Monday. Japanese Gratification The Japanese Foreign Office announced that Rumania had joined the Axis, the spokesman adding: “This is gratifying because it demonstrates that the efforts of Japan, Italy and Germany are bearing fruit towards the realisation of the lofty ideal for a new world order and an enduring peace based on justice.”