ROUMANIA.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 1 December 1916, Page 4

ROUMANIA.

The true position in Roumanla has not apparently, been made clear to the outside world. Right up to yesterday messages have given cause for confidence in the Allies’ ability to stem the Hindenburg expedition of devastation. Now, hve are told that the Germans are forty or fifty miles from Bucharest, the capital city of the country, and that they are steadily approaching if on three sides—from the south-west, west, and north-east. We think, however, the telegraphist has made a blundep, for it seems bordering on the impossible for Germany to be able to approach Bucharest from the north-east, for that would involve almost complete conTrol of the whole of Roumania. It would entirely re-

move all thought of reinforcements from Russia, and nothing, on earth could save Bucharest. • The cable should, in all probability have stated that the enemy approach was from the west, north-west, and south-west, which is a very different matter, as it allows of Russia pouring in assistance as fast as she is able, and if the Roumanians are defeated the road is open for retirement right into Russian territory if needs be. It would be quite out of the realm of possibility for the mighty trial of strength that we are told is hourly expected, if Hindenburg’s armies could attack from the north-east. The Germans have, without doubt, approached from Crajova to the westward, and have spread out to the northward, while other forces have crossed from Bulgaria, and when we last heard of them, were at Alexandria. Reuter is generally reliable, and its last report was that Roumania has unabated confidence, despite the German advance, and is convinced that the effects of Russian co-operation, which have already been shown in the Dobrudja, will manifest themselves in the present crisis. Hindenburg wants nothing less than to capture the Vhole Roumanian army, and has urged Bulgaria to help, but Danube floods arid no bridges render the Bulgars helpless. It is noteworthy that although the Roumanian Government and banks have removed to Jassy, near the Bessarabia frontier, the military headquarters staff of the Allies is still at Bucharest. This is certainly an indication of confidence that cannot be cast aside. Hindenburg is not the man to launch on a forlorn hope, and here is confidence which, if not well-founded, may lead to hopeless disaster. Surely, there is no possibility of treachery such as favoured Hindenburg in his first venture in East Prussia. If not, then we may expect one of the bloodiest battles in history within the next few days, if it has not already begun. The importance of stemming the German rush eastward is supreme, and all the time, it is possible for the Allies Ito gain must be fought for. With the information that has been vouchsafed to us we qan only await the result of the titanic struggle that is about to begin.