SALONIKA GERMANY’S NEXT GOAL?

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 47, 25 February 1941, Page 5

SALONIKA GERMANY’S NEXT GOAL?

TENSION STILL ACUTE ROADS CLEARED IN BULGARIA ATTACK ON GREECE EXPECTED IBy Telegraph—Pre* a Association—Copyright! Received Feb. 25, 24, 9.20 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 24. The Times’ correspondent on the German frontier says military officers in Berlin explain that the otpnsive against Britain includes the expulsion of the British from the Continent, including Greece, because, and until, the possibility of a British occupation of Salonika is eliminated, the Rumanian oilfields are not safe from the R.A.F. Greece could be induced diplomatically to assent to a separate peace, but if she does not consent she must be overcome by the German march to Salonika. ANKARA i Turkey i, Monday.—German preparations for attacking Gieece through Bulgaria are proceeding speedily, suggesting that the routes will be via the Struma and Mesta Valleys. Bridges in western Bulgaria have been strengthened to carry 20 tons, permitting the use of fast tanks. German observers, with field telephones, are posted on the heights of the Pirin, Rila and other ranges. Ready for Biack-out. LONDON 'Monday).—The Sofia correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain states that motor traffic in the Sofia district was halted this afternoon as the result of police orders to clear the highways. The capital has been ordered to be ready for a black-out at a moment's notice, beginning on Tuesday. The Times' correspondent on the Italian frontier states that German troop transports continue to go to Sicily and southern Italy unceasingly. Many German sailors, not belonging to any ship, have gone to the south of Italy, presumably to take over at i least part of the Italian navy. LONDON (Sunday). Messages coming in late this evening from the Bulgarian capital say that while official circles continue to deride rumours of imminent German occupation of Bulgaria, other quarters in Sofia are convinced that a German march in there is likely almost immediately. Reuter's correspondent in Sofia says that all preparations for German military action seem to be ready, right down to the erection of German sign-posts on provincial roads. War in Albania

Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Press makes a full display of German dispatches which emphasise the possibility of a speedy termination of the war in Albania. Reference to what is described as the precarious position of Greece is given prominent place in these dispatches. Reuter says that a temporary distraction in Sofia is the impending visit of a Bulgarian economic mission to Belgrade, the capital of Yugoslavia. He adds that in Belgrade there is mounting feeling about the latest Balkan developments, and particularly, it appears, about rumours of tests of German pontoon bridges on the Danube. Istanbul dispatches, according to Reuter, refer to Turkey's denunciation of the distortion of the truth by the Nazi and Fascist radio network and by the Axis Press in regard to the Turkish pact with Bulgaria. Axis claims representing a British political defeat in the Balkans are indignantly disputed. One Turkish newspaper says that Germany’s and Italy's interpretations of the pact are utterly opposite to the truth. Turkey considers her alliances and friendships sacred. She proved that by sacrificing 550.000 of her sons in aiding Germany in the World War. Turkey’s Attitude An influential Turkish writer and Deputy says: "The Turks think and feel to-day as they did when the Anglo-Turkish assistance pact was signed at Ankara in 1939.” Axis propaganda is at pains- to create the impression that tremendous things are on the point of taking place in the West as well as in the Balkans. There are many indications that Germany's aim is to create the I greatest possible uneasiness in the Balkans. There have been reports ot the arrest of left-wing and agrarian leaders, of the mounting of anti-air-craft guns on the roof of the National Bank building in the centre of Sofia, and of the arrival of German general staff officers in mufti. The Bulgarian Press also says that the Germans no longer regard the Greek war as an isolated conflict. It is significant that these German k reports in the Bulgarian Press after W concern at a non-existent British landing at Salonika. It is believed in Sofia tiiat Germany will justify her occupation of Bulgaria on the ground that the British have landed or are going to land at i Salonika. Public opinion is already I being prepared for that line of reasoning.