SOVIET CASE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 June 1940, Page 5

SOVIET CASE

STATED BY MOLOTOV DEMAND FOR RESTITUTION. “IN INTERESTS OF SOUND PEACE.” By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 11.25 a.ni.) LONDON, June 28. The text of an official statement broadcast by the Moscow radio says:— “M. Molotov made the following declaration to the Rumanian Minister in Moscow on June 26: Tn 1918, Rumania, taking advantage of Russia’s military weakness, took possession of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, and with this action tore a territory‘from the Ukraine to which it belonged both historically and culturally. The Soviet was never reconciled to this act and has repeatedly displayed its dissatisfaction to the opinion of the whole world. At the present time, when the international situation demands a rapid settlement in the interests of sound peace, the Soviet believes her territories should be returned in the interests of justice. The Soviet considers Northern Bukowina, the inhabitants of which are historically connected with the Soviet Ukraine, should now be returned with Bessarabia. Such an act would also be just, because during the twenty-two years that Rumania has been in possession of Bessarabia, the Soviet has suffered huge losses owing to her territory being exploited by another 'country. The Soviet therefore suggests to Rumania that Bessarabia should be returned to the Soviet and that pait of Northern Bukowina should be handed to the Soviet.’ ” The statement then outlines the contacts which have occurred between Russian and Rumanian diplomatic representatives. OCCUPATION OF TOWNS (Received This Day. 10 a.m.) LONDON. June 28. Soviet troops occupied Cernauti, Akkerman and Kishinev this afternoon.