Rumania Looking to Hitler to Divert Soviet Aims

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 305, 27 December 1939, Page 2

Rumania Looking to Hitler to Divert Soviet Aims

(By Telegraph—Prese Awn.—Copyright.) NEW YORK, Dec. 24. The New York Times correspondent in Bucharest says it is authoritatively stated that Rumania has de-. cided to refuse any possible Ruasian offer to negotiate tor a change in Bessarabia's status. She is counting on German diplonacy to forstall any Russian threat of force by using suasion before the posi;ion becames crucial, because Germany desires to avoid disturbance of her supply sources. Responsible circles, however, are not sounting on German aid for Rumania In the event of a Russian attack. Bessarabia, the north-east province of Rumania, formerly belonged to Russia, but was taken by Rumania after the Great War. In spite of recent reports, it is denied that there is a specific secret agreement Detween Rumania and Germany guaranteeing Rumanian's Hungarian and Russian frontiers. Rumania believes that Greece, Turkey and Yugoslavia would :ome to her aid if she were embroiled In a war with the Soviet, but she is uncertain of Italian help. It is authoritatively stated that Rumania is ready to negotiate a settlement Df Bulgarian claims only as part of a general Balkan settlement, to which Bulgaria would contribute her share. Bulgaria’s claim against Rumania is concerned with the Southern Dobruja. the south-east province of Rumania, which Rumania took from Bulgaria %fter the Great War. The correspondent saj’s that, 24 hours alter signature of the Rumanian-Gre-many trade treaty, difference has arisen through the Rumanian National Bank publishing a communique altering the export exchange rate of 49 lei to the Reichsmark announced on October 21 to 44.75. The new level will affect only exporters of oil, cereals and timber, which comprise 90 per cent, of sales to Germany. The British Minister, Sir Samuel Hoare, has obtaiped a promise from the Rumanian Prime Minister, M. Tatarescu, to cease Governmental efforts to lower the value of sterling on terms which acceded and advantages Germany thought she would have obtained on the Rumanian market. The outcome is certainly not clear. A message from Sofia says that a Bulgarian economic mission, including bankers and representatives of the Ministry of Commerce, has left for Moscow.