NAZI MENACE

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21039, 15 February 1940, Page 7

NAZI MENACE

THREAT TO TURKEY DANGER TO CAUCASUS DEFENCE OF OILFIELDS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 13 The Turkish Military Intelligence service has informed the Government of the receipt of information that Germany is considering rushing armed forces, possibly 500,000 strong, to the Caucasus to defend the vital Russian oilfields, says the Istanbul correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain.

The reason for this action is stated to be the necessity for Germany to relieve the Soviet of this obligation while Russian is engaged in the war against Finland. A new movement of German troops in Bohemia and Moravia to Slovakia, and considerable activity in military circles at Prague are reported by the Havas news agency’s correspondent on the German frontier.

The writer states that hospital authorities in Bohemia and Moravia have been ordered to reserve 50,000 beds by March 1. and an order has been issued commandeering all horses.

The authorities have been instructed to organise defence against a possible Czech rising. Fresh arrests of the supporters of the former President, Dr. Benes, are occurring.

Madame Tabouis, in an article in L’Oeuvre, says that Hitler is convinced that Russia is incapable of an offensive campaign, for which reason he is considering an unaided German thrust

into the Near East, directed at the Dardanelles. The General Staff is opposed to this, owing to Turkey’s military and strategic strength.

The writer adds that Germany is planning an economic offensive, and is sending missions to Afghanistan, and possibly Iran.