A BRITISH MOVE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 March 1939, Page 5

A BRITISH MOVE

Consultation With Russia and Others

** PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TAKEN

WITH APPROVAL OF LABOUR LEADERS

By Telegraph.—Press Association. —Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.)

LONDON, March 20.

Reuter understands that the British Government is in communication with the Soviet, Poland, Rumania, Yugoslavia, Turkey and Bulgaria, with reference to the situation in Central Europe. In the meantime precautionary measures are being taken in various directions, with the approval of Labour leaders.

CALLERS AT FOREIGN OFFICE

INCLUDE POLISH AMBASSADOR

(Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) . - LONDON, March 20

The Polish Ambassador and Herr Kordt, the German Charge d’Affaires, called separately at the Foreign Office. The Chairman of the Libera] Parliamentary Party, Sir Archibald Sinclair, called at No 10 Downing Street. "

RUMANIA PREPARES

Steps to Prevent Sudden Raid

TROOPS ON HUNGARIAN FRONTIER

LONDON, March 20. • While political circles here discuss the possible attitude of the various countries in the event of a German invasion of Rumania, following the ultimatum reported to have been delivered yesterday, Bucharest messages state that 200,000 Rumanian troops are mobilised in blockhouses and dugouts along the Hungarian frontier awaiting Germany’s next move. King Carol has decided to take just sufficient military measures to prevent a sudden smash-and-grab raid in the north. Reports from the north also say that Russia is moving large numbers of troops to the Rumanian border where fortifications are being rapidly constructed. Prague reports that all Germans in the protectorate are asked to volunteer for army service. They are offered compensatory exemption from the “volunteer” labour service. If the appeal does not succeed, it is understood that all Germans aged between 20 and 40 will be called up. This is expected to produce 400,000 men who will be equipped with Czech arms with which most of them have been trained. Yesterday the British Minister in Bucharest was informed by the Rumanian Foreign Minister that reports of the German ultimatum were inaccurate.

CONCENTRATION ON BORDER

DENIED BY HUNGARY

(Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.)

PARIS, March 20. The Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, received M. Coulondre and M. Sowitw, the Soviet Ambassador.

The Hungarian Legation denies the concentration of Hungarian troops on the Rumanian frontier and adds that some men were called up to reinforce regiments sent to occupy Ruthenia.