The Wanganui Chronicle. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1942. RUMANIA’S DECLINE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 228, 28 September 1942, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1942. RUMANIA’S DECLINE

J7ROM a position resting on relatively sound economic foundations Rumania, since she entered the war, has suffered a material and spiritual decline. To-day her Government lias become a Dictatorship, her armies are fighting for a foreign power, her neighbours, Bulgaria and Hungary, are an increasing menace, her food supplies have been shipped to Germany and her future is black indeed.

In this process of deterioration General Antonescu lias been the evil genius. Popular in the army, unpopular with the peasantry and the politicians, lie has nevertheless had his way. His popularity with the soldiers waned considerably when the casualty lists of the Rumanian troops engaged before Odessa became known, and the prominence given to the Rumanian exploits in that siege did not assuage the grief of this Balkan people. But Antonescu had committed himself to a downhill path, a path on which it is easier to go forward than either to stop or to retrace one’s steps. Consequently it should occasion no surprise that he has now constituted himself as the only legislative authority within Rumania. There are and always have been voices in the country that have been raised against the policy to which Antonescu has committed the country. Juliu Maniu, the leader of the National Peasant Party, and Dinu Bratianu earlier in the year issued a strongly-worded protest against sending more troops to Russia, pointing out that the employment of four divisions could not possibly affect the issue in the East. They also pointed out in a manifesto that it was highly dangerous to suffer heavy losses of men and materials when Hungary and Bulgaria had scarcely suffered at all, and the manifesto inquired whether Antonescu had obtained from Hitler any document in writing which assured the return of the lost province of Transylvania. “Is there any interest for Germany to engage in war against Hungary in order to return fransylvania to Rumania?” they asked, and the manifesto concluded with the demand that Rumanian troops should be withdrawn from Russia.

Meanwhile a food shortage had developed in Rumania. The peasants have added to this by engaging in sustenance farming only, raising only sufficient for themselves and leaving nothing for export to Germany and Italy. The trade agreement between the Reich and Rumania granted to Rumania a credit of GOO million reichsmarks in order to stimulate Rumanian production, and during 1942 Rumanian deliveries to the Reich of cattle, pigs, sheep and timber will increase. Before these increases are registered the balance is already considerably in Rumania’s favour. The unpleasant feature is that Rumania cannot get the contra supplies of goods for her exports to Germany. Antonescu’s assumption of dictatorial powers is the best evidence that could be obtained that the position inside Rumania has become so grave that the marshal can trust no one but himself. These conditions are so unfavourable that Germany, aware of them, has made provision against an attack based on the Balkan Peninsula. Were it possible for the Allies to penetrate into the Balkan Peninsula—and who shall say when that will be a practicable proposition?—Rumania’s allegiance to the Axis would melt as snow before a summer sun. While Germany is able to sustain the pressure on Rumania, however, Antonescu will probably be able to continue upon his slippery downward path.