SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21242, 12 October 1940, Page 7

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

TROOPS ENTER RUMANIA PROTESTS BY BRITAIN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received October .12, 1.10 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 11 Considerable reserve has been shown in official quarters in London over the last few days regarding the situation in Rumania. The reason for this was that telegrams from Sir Reginald Hoare, the British Ambassador. have been held up. It was now possible, however, on the basis of rename information in possession of Britain to give some account of the circumstances in which German troops arrived in Rumania. It can also be stated that Rumania can be in no doubt that the relations of Britain and Rumania have reached a critical point.

Early in September a considerable number of German S.S. men, in uniform, arrived. According to Rumania these men had been admitted in connection with the evacuation of tne German colony from Besasrabia, It was clear, however, from the destinations to which the Germans proceeded, and from the fact that they were accompanied by equipment, that the true object was to enable the Germans to occupy certain strategic positions. Agreement With Germany There was reason to believe an agreement was made with Germany even before General Antonescu assumed office, for the despatch to Rumania of German armoured divisions. On October 8 news was received in London of the arrival of further German troops in Rumania. In reply to an inquiry for information, Sir Reginald Hoare was informed by the Rumanian Government that Rumania would not be occupied by German troops and that no German “ unit ” had entered Rumania. ■Rumania’s reply intimated that Rumania had the right to “ procure where she can, the material necessary to her armament and the technicians required for the instruction of her units.” Different Stories Sir Reginald Hoare, as a result of persistent requests, succeeded on October 9 in seeing the Rumanian Foreign Minister, from whom he learned that a very large number of of German “ instructors ” was expected forthwith. Sir Reginald saw the president of council the same day and General Antonescu stated categorically that there were no German troops in Rumania, though he added that 3000 Germans were expected. General Antonescu descriDed these men as “ specialist instructors or technicians,” but there was good grounds for believing that the men would be troops and that they would arrive very shortly. It was also expected that the numbers would be considerable. There was, it is understood, an important discrepancy between General Antonescu’s estimate of the numbers of “instructors” and that of the Rumanian Foreign Minister. Position of British Prisoners In these circumstances Sir Reginald made it clear to General Antonescu that as he understood the position the relations between Britain and Rumania had reached a critical point. The Rumanian Government has not, as yet, released all British subjects arrested, but as a result of Sir Reginald’s emphatic intervention, there is some reason to believe that the persons under arrest are no longer in danger or discomfort.