BESSARABIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1939, Page 5

BESSARABIA

RUMANIA REFUSING OFFER TO NEGOTIATE ACCORDING TO AUTHORITATIVE SOURCE. COUNTING ON GERMAN DIPLOMACY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. NEW YORK, December 24. The “New York Times’ ” correspondent in Bucharest says it is authoritatively stated that Rumania has decided to refuse any possible Russian offer to negotiate for a change in Bessarabia’s status. She is counting on German diplomacy to forestall any Russian threat of force by using suasion before the position becomes crucial, because Germany desires to avoid disturbance of supply sources. Responsible circles, however, are not counting on German aid for Rumania in the event of a Russian attack. In spite of recent reports it is denied that there is a specific secret agreement between Rumania and Germany guaranteeing Rumania’s Hungarian and Russian frontiers. Rumania believes Greece, Turkey and Yugoslavia would come 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 of Bulgarian claims only as part of a general Balkan settlement, to which Bulgaria would contribute her share. The correspondent says that 24 hours after signature of the Rumanian-Ger-many treaty, difference has arisen through the Rumanian National Bank altering the export exchange rate of 49 let 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. obtained M Tartarescu’s promise to cease Governmental efforts to lower the value of sterling on terms which acceded any advantages Germany. thought she would have obtained on the Rumania market. The outcome is certainly not clear.