The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1940 RUMANIA’S AWAKENING

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21185, 7 August 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1940 RUMANIA’S AWAKENING

Developments in Rumania in the past few days have shown that the situation is still full of possibilities. One of the surprises has been the “no-surrender” manifesto issued by the Iron Guard, formerly an unquestioned pro-German organisation, which now urges Rumania to “waken to the perils of the moment and distinguish between greedy Powers seeking to impose concessions and Powers which helped Rumania in the last war.” The reason for this dramatic change of front is said to be that the Germans, no longer considering the Iron Guard a necessary political weapon, have withdrawn their support from it. Even so, such a complete change indicates that people who have been temporarily placed under the German spell are not incapable of disillusionment. It was the Iron Guard which, long banned as an illegal organisation in Rumania, was a few months ago again given official recognition by King Carol. Evidently the position which has now come to a head has been developing for some time. There is evidence that political party activity is again taking shape in spite of King Carol’s dictatorship. Fierce opposition to Hungary’s territorial claims is manifesting itself, and unless Hungary can obtain the active assistance of Germany or Italy it seems very unlikely that Rumania can be persuaded or forced to make the concessions which Hungary demands. Even the Transylvania area which Hungary seeks to annex is reported to be strongly opposed to the transfer, in spite of its considerable Hungarian population. The ex-leader of the Peasant Party declares that Hungary cannot be trusted and that force must be met with force. Rumania has already been weakened by the Russian seizure of Bessarabia and Bukovina and Russia’s strategic gains on the Black Sea. Moreover, Rumania embraces powerful minorities which further complicate the internal situation and make any other policy than neutrality extremely dangerous. Nevertheless the Rumanian State is well armed and organised and could more than hold its own among the other Balkan countries. But it has to face as well the threat of Germany, Italy and Russia, and therefore is a key member of the Balkan family upon which a great deal depends. If any of the other States invokes the aid of one or other of the great Powers to enforce its demands the situation may be found to be explosive. Germany is well aware of very good reasons why she should not step in abruptly and take what she so obviously covets. If Germany did march the probability is that Rumania would not resist, but what of Russia ? Stalin would certainly not be content to see Germany absorb the whole of Rumania. That Black Sea coast is too precious to Russia to be shared with Germany. Rumania is also struggling with Bulgaria’s claim to South Dobrudja and sees the necessity of a firm stand now or inevitable disintegration. Already rich territories have been shorn away and at last Rumania appears to be realising that it is a matter of standing firmly on a policy of neutrality, bringing in outside aid or surrendering her national independence. To whom can she turn since the Balkan Entente has turned against her ?