ALL RUTHENIA NOW HUNGARIAN

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 148, 18 March 1939, Page 11

ALL RUTHENIA NOW HUNGARIAN

Occupation Formally Announced “IN RESPONSE TO APPEAL” Heavy Fighting And Many Casualties Reported By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. BUDAPEST, March 16. “In response to an appeal from the Ruthenian people, Hungary has decided to take over the whole of the Ruthenian territory. Our army is sufficiently strong to crush any resistance. The occupation will not impair our neighbours’ interests.” This statement was made by t'he Foreign Minister, Count Csaky, in the Chamber of Deputies today. He also announced the granting of complete autonomy to CarpathoUkraine. He declared that the Carpatho-Ukrainians had twice asked for help and the immediate occupation of the whole territory, which the Hungarian forces were now doing. The old Hungarian frontiers on the Carpathians would be restored.

Following Count Csalu’s speech, the Prime Minister, M. Teleki, announced in the Chamber that Hungary had completely occupied Ruthenia and that some Czechs were retreating westward and others to Rumania, where they were being disarmed. It is stated in Berlin without confirmation that Ruthenia has telegraphed to all the signatories of the Munich agreement seeking help and a guarantee of independence. Meanwhile, it is reported that the Rutheuians have started a counteroffensive against the Hungarians. There was heavy fighting at Ghust, estimates of the dead varying from 120 to 400. 5000 Cross The Frontier. More than 5000 Czech and Ruthenian refugees crossed the frontier into Rumania at Sighet, also three Czech infantry battalions, three artillery batteries, three armoured car sections, and two aeroplanes, all of which were disarmed. The western and northwestern frontiers of Rumania are being strengthened, and artillery is being brought up to the Ruthenian frontier. The Rumanian Government received a commuuicatoon from M. Volosin, former Premier of Ruthenia, proposing that the whole of Ruthenia be Incorporated in Rumania. Diplomatic officials stated that Rumania would not entertain the Idea. M. Volosin is now in Rumania as a refugee.