NEUTRALS ALERT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 April 1940, Page 6

NEUTRALS ALERT

PREPARATIONS TO DEFEND INTEGRITY MEASURES AGAINST SPYING AND TREASON. FROM BALTIC TO THE BALKANS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON. April 18. Nations from Holland to Turkey are hastening their preparations to defend their integrity. Rumania has taken a big step towards ! political unity by the appointment to the Grand Council of leaders of- the dissident Liberal Peasant Party, who have withdrawn their opposition to the National Renaissance Party. King Carol has also acknowledged the allegiance of the Iron Guards. Rumania has decided on a vigorous control of all foreigners and the prevention of propaganda incompatible with neutrality. It is learned further that important fortifications are being constructed in the frontier districts, where many troops are stationed. Turkey is expanding her. safety measures. M. Belioglu, a former Minister of Economy, has been arrested for distributing pamphlets criticising the agreements with England and France. The Government is empowered to extend the service of reservists from six weeks to four months. Yugoslavia’s anxiety is exemplified by M. Tsvetkovich’s appeal to Bulgaria for collaboration. “The South Slavs.” he says, “should learn a lesson from the events which have overtaken Central European Slavs. Yugoslavia and Bulgaria must stand together to help each other, safeguard their independence and preserve Balkan peace,” Other European neutrals similarly are extending their precautions. A Swedish Bill is being introduced increasing penalties for treason and espionage and “other offences harmful to the security of the country.” Foreigners are forbidden to visit ports or to travel by car from one town to another. Those working in harbours will be compelled to abandon their jobs. Holland, has decreed that foreigners must fill in a control card detailing particulars of themselves and the purpose of their visit. The Dutch police searched Fascist houses in Harlem and discovered stocks of arms.