FRONTIER CLASH IN SLOVAKIA

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 154, 25 March 1939, Page 11

FRONTIER CLASH IN SLOVAKIA

Invasion By Hungarian Troops

REQUEST FOR JOINT COMMISSION

“Border Never Properly Delineated” By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, (Received March 24, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 24. Following a protest from Bratislava against an invasion by Hungarian troops across the SlovakRuthenian frontier, Hungary is asking Slovakia to establish a joint commission to regulate the frontier.' A communique issued yesterday by the Slovakian Defence Ministry: stated that the Hungarian troops which invaded Slovakia consisted of three columns, totalling four infantry battalions, one bicycle company, and one motorized regiment, including tanks. At 5.30 a.m. the Hungarians had penetrated deeply, but at 2.30 p.m. the advance had been stopped. The communique stated that Slovak troops put up a stiff fight against the invaders. Slovak airmen machinegunned the Hungarians and put two battalions to flight. Many Hungarians were killed and wounded. German Bombers Reported. German bombers were stated to have been, cruising over the Slovak and Hungarian frontier north-east and. east of Bratislava. Slovakia protested to Italy and Germany that the Hungarians were not respecting the frontier delimited .by the Vienna Treaty. It was officially admitted in Budapest today that Hungarian troops in Ruthenia had occupied some points west of the River Ung Valley with the object of safeguarding the railway along the Slovak-Ruthenian frontier, which had never been properly delineated.

A communique issued in Budapest declared that reports that the Hungarians were operating upon Germany’s invitation or with her acquiescence were untrue. The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Count Csaky, stated that Slovakia’s eastern frontier was inexactly defined and that, therefore, there was a possibility of local incidents, but there was no question of organized military operations.

HUNGARY GRATEFUL TO GERMANY

Rumania Warned About Unprovoked Attack (Received March 24, 9.30 p.m.) BUDAPEST, March 24. The Foreign' Minister, Count Csaky, making a statement to the foreign relations commission today, said that relations with Germany were more cordial than ever. Without the far-reach-ing benevolence of the German, leaders, Hungary would not have become so strong. Yugoslavia’s attitude during the crisis had been correct, but Rumania’s was hesitant. “I had, therefore, to remind Rumania;” said Count Csaky, “that Hungary would occupy Ruthenia in all circumstances and that any unprovoked attack on Hungarian troops would mean war. I regret that, notwithstanding our promises Rumania adopted military measures. “Rumania first objected to the occupation of Ruthenia east of Chust unless a portion be ceded to Rumania, which I explained was impossible. I hope to develop friendly relations with Rumania, but I will not negotiate while Rumania remains mobilized.” INVASION SANCTIONED BY GERMANY? BERLIN, March 23. It is reported in some quarters here that Germany sanctioned the invasion in an effort 'to stampede the Slova.ks into a more binding agreement with Germany. Official quarters refuse to comment on the invasion beyond pointing out that the Hungarians probably crossed the very vague and doubtful frontier between Ruthenia and Slovakia, and will return when they discover, their mistake.