STILL OBSCURE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1941, Page 5

STILL OBSCURE

RUSSO-GERMAN POSITION WEALTH OF RUMOURS MAY MASK ANOTHER MOVE AGAINST BRITAIN. NO LIMIT TO PRECAUTIONS. LONDON. June 20. The Russo-German situation cont inues to be Ihe subject of considerable speculation and in some quarters is regarded as of a serious nature. Some commentators advance the theory that the wealth of rumours, originated by German sources, are in- ■ tended as a. mask for another move by Hitler against Brita in. Observers in Moscow see no evidence in support of the alarmist rumours. Moscow broadcasts make no reference to any tension between the two countries but pay considerable attention to the Russian manoeuvres. One broadcast in English this morning stressed the defence aspect of the five-year plan. In London it is pointed out that, if a theory advanced by American commentators that Germany is trying to put up a smoke screen for- eventual moves against Britain is correct. Britain is in no way unprepared.

There has been no limit to the British precautions, which are continuing. The bombing of western Germany also is a sign that the British Government will take every opportunity to harrass Germany till Europe is freed from its worst curse.

STIR IN FINLAND COUNTRY MOBILISED FOR WAR. RUSSIAN TROOP MOVEMENTS. LONDON. June 20. With all sources of information on the subject distorted by censorship, the Russian-German crisis is befogged. Travellers arriving in Finland say that the railway from Moscow to Leningrad is blocked by troops and munitions. Finland is said to have mobilised for war, the Government having followed the calling-up of reserves with sharp restrictions on civilian railway traffic to facilitate the military preparations. The newspaper “Helsinkins Anomat” says: “Causes beyond Finland's control may give events a turn jeopardising pur peace and liberty to the extent that we would be forced to defend them with everything in our power. Finland will not attach herself to any league of Powers for dishonorable action.”' Another Finnish newspaper, “The Uusi Suomi,” says: “A RussianGerman clash must concern us, and it would concern an eastern neighbour with whom we have a long common frontier, a country with which our relations have become closer and stronger.”

The “Daily Express” says that Moscow radio was heard announcing that more and more provinces, especially in the Ukraine, are carrying out civil defence practice, including anti-air-craft and searchlight tests, and Ukrainian troops have entered upon large-scale manoeuvres of alpine units. REPORTED NAZI DEMANDS. It is reported from Istanbul that Germany has repeated demands to which the Soviet Foreign Minister, M. Molotov, refused to agree in Berlin in November. These demands, the report says, cover an exchange of technicians, the furnishing of war materials, a better arrangement of traffic and transport between Germany and Russia, and also a division of political zones of influence.

The “Daily Mail” in a report from Bucharest says it is admitted there that the Rumanians have taken certain military measures, but it is declared that they arc acting independently in so doing. The measures are not connected with political events and must not be regarded as preparations for military steps against Russia, Bucharest says. The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” says that two German divisions are in Finland and probably the major part of a third, but there is a lack of heavy artillery and heavy bombers. The Germans are promising the Finns and Rumanians that they will return the territory that was lost to Russia. The main German striking force is in the arc formed by the frontiers of East Prussia. Poland and Rumania. The correspondent draws attention to the fact that the Germans have carefully excluded all anti-Soviet whispers from the jubilation about the Turkish-German treaty.

RIDDLE UNSOLVED POSSIBILITY OF GIGANTIC BLUFF. CURIOUS STORY OF OFFERED BRITISH AID. (Received This Day, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, June 20. The riddle of Russia remains unsolved. while reports indicating tension are still circulating. Today a telegram from Moscow to Ankara stated that there are no signs of any crisis there, nor any indication of mobilisation. The message states: "Nothing is known in Moscow of demands either from Germany or Rumania. Responsible observers, indeed, profess grounds for a belief that neither country has made any approach lo Russia.” A N.B.C. broadcaster from Ankara said the GermanRumanian preparations may be a gigantic bluff. Most well-informed diplomats contend that they are. but many observers in Ankara contend that, war preparations on both sides have reached a magnitude going far beyond the bluffing stage. The broadcaster concluded with the curious statement: "It. is reported from London that the Russians have shown a complete lack of interest in Britain’s proposal of aid, if Germany attacks the Soviet, and it is argued that this indifference to Britain's help shows that the Russians are not too worried about a coming war.”