Roumania

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 66, 14 October 1916, Page 5

Roumania

THE MAELSTROM OF WAR. FERDINAND AND THE ALLIES. AN EXPRESSION OF FAITH. ALSO AN APPEAL. PEOPLE'S NATIONAL IDEALS. Press Association—Copyright. Published in "The Times." (Received 9.25 a.m.) ' ! ■■ London, October 12. Mr Washburn, correspondent at Bucharest, obtained a series of conversations with King Ferdinand, who said: "It is well that the world should know our danger. In facing and entering the maelstrom of the great war- Roumania was not moved by policies of expediency or bad faith to the'Central Powers, but by the highest principles of national ideals. The tie of the blood of the race un derlies every consideration. The appeal for pure Roumanian blood in Transylvania was the strongest fore© in Roumanian opinion from the Throne to the lowest peasant. .Hungary haft been our traditional enemy, because they held a million of our blond in political bondage. While Bulgaria with an efficient army on the frontier was difficult to defend, has been logically a potential enemy. At the beginning of the war, we had no hostility to Germany whatever. Our friendship for her was a potent commercial asset, bringing prosperity. We have blood sympathies for Franco, neighbourliness for Russia and respect for England. During the war there has grown up as regards Germany what may be called an enemy viewpoint, due to her principles that might is right; that moans justify the end, and that small nationalities exist merely as pawns for the Central Powers, advancing their industrial and commercial aims. She attempted to write her theory of frightfulness and lawlessness into international law, but these affected us deeply, and Roumania began to feel that trying force of war was against her real interests. Roumania maintained her Neutrality until she could act with reasonable assurances of protecting herself and having the great Allies as a support. As a small Power, with small armies, she was 1 surroundered by giants and long frontiers. She could not act before without instant annihilation, and she waited no longer than was reasonably safe. She stakes her entire future on the courage.of her people, and on tho economic and military support of her greater Allies. The great war is promising to last at least another year, and she faces a certain consumption of her resources, but I feel certain that the Allies will prevent Roumania from being the third small Power to be destroyed. Roumania has no delusions, and

knows that Germany will make every sacrifice to obliterate her ifrom the map. The enemy is •craving' 1 , for vengeance now, and by her aeroplane attacks on defenceless cities is making the innocent pay tho pehalty';for the Government's sound and jn'st action. This has created bitterness which has enlisted the whole Nation. The making of peace without victory is an utter impossibility. Roumania will not falter in her allegiance, nor can Germany wean us from our faith in England the just, France a brother-Latin, and Russia our neighbour. The Allies, in the exigencies of tho huge problems to be dealt with, will surely not allow Roumania, who staked her all to pass to the back of their minds and suffer the SerboBolgian fate. We feel confident in the Allies' justice, in our cause, and in the fortitude and sacrifices of our people."

THE DANCER NOTED. ENEMY'S VICIOUS ATTACK. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, October 13. Mr J. Dillon (Nationalist member for Mayo) hoped an assurance would be forthcoming that the utmost resources of Britain would be used for the rescue of Roumania, which was in danger, by a strong counter-offen-sive in Macedonia. If Roumania wore overthrown, he said, Germany might never be defeated. Mr Lloyd George (Minister for War) said the Government was fully alive to the necessity for according the fullest support to Roumania against the enemy's vicious attack. There was not the least doubt that Germany was concentratng with a view to crushing Roumania in a spirit of hatred, in adition to military interest.