Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1940. THE POSITION OF RUMANIA.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 February 1940, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1940. THE POSITION OF RUMANIA.

r pilE cables during flic past few days have made reference to Germany’s veiled threat, to Rumania in regard to the supply of oil, and the increased tension which has come about in the Balkans as the result of this display of the “mailed list which was formerly the favourite policy of Prussia and later ol Germany. Rumania is exposed to serious danger at the hands of Germany. The recently improved communications made by Germany lead to the border of the Russianised province ol Stanislawow, and Germany has only to secure Russian consent to cross that rectangular-shaped area to bo on the .fringe ol Rumania. There she would be ready for the swoop down the valley, and Rumania [would find it almost impossible to resist. There are many military reasons why a coup should be attempted from this northern direction. Germany would be spared the necessity of marching across Hungary and thus might stave off the difficulties associated with Italy’s recent negotiations with Hungary. She would not have Io lii/ht in the upland region of the Transylvanian Alps, which are difficult enough at any time, but which are at present snowbound as the result of an exceptionally severe winter. Her armies could keep the great curve of the Alps on their right and hasten down the river valleys which run from the north to the south into the very heart of Rumania.

Germany's aim would naturally he the oilfields, hut to gel to these she would practically have to cross the whole of Rumania, because the great bulk of the fields art 1 in the Bucharest-Constanta region in the far south. The magnitude of this military task would not. deter Germany if. she thought that the conflict could, be localised, especially with an annual production of 7,000,000 tons of oil as a prize. Rumania has a standing army of 212,000 with nearly two million reserves, but it is said that the equipment and the leadership is not of the best though doubtless steps have been taken recently Io improve the strength of the army.

The defence of Rumania depends in a great measure on outside military help, and there are factors which might deter Germany from military action. Germany might well hesitate before making the whole of the Balkans a sea! of war. for Italy may be forced into hostilities as the natural del'ender of the Balkan States. The Anglo-French guarantees of last. April, and subsequently reaffirmed, are more important. for by them Britain and France promise Rumania all the assistance in their power in the case of any action threatening Rumania.