SIGNS OF STRAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 July 1940, Page 5

SIGNS OF STRAIN

AXIS RELATIONS WITH SOVIET REPORTED WARNING TO BULGARIA. INTERESTED COMMENT IN LONDON. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, June 28. Reports of German and Italian reactions to Russia’s coup are confused. The Sofia correspondent of “The Times” says that German and Italian diplimatic circles are disgusted and are now warning the Bulgarian Foreign Office of the “Russian danger.” German sources in Berlin continue to express disinterest, but the Bucharest correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that German sources in Rumania allege that Sir Stafford Cripps encouraged Stalin’s action in order to distract attention from the west. The same sources openly declare that Germany will not permit Russia permanently to dominate the mouth of the Danube and Northern Bukovina because of the danger of Russia blocking Germany’s approaches to the Black Sea. The Belgrade correspondent of “The Times” says it is reported from trustworthy sources that relations between the Axis Powers and the Soviet are growing more strained. The Russian action was not unexpected in London, in view of recent developments and the collapse of France. Diplomatic circles in London do not imagine that this development is welcome in Berlin, though it remains a matter of conjecture whether Russia took the trouble to consult German beforehand. If consulation took place it is assumed that the Nazis would have thought it advisable to acquiesce in Russia’s present move. They would calculate that if their hopes of overwhelming Britain in her defence of order and liberty in Europe are fulfilled they will be in a position to deal with any pretentions from any other quarters which in their view affect their interest or ambitions in the Balkans. There is much speculation in the Press of the world as to the part played by Germany and Italy. “The Times” says that no doubt both knew what Russia had in mind, but that it is certainly in neither of their interests that Russia should command the Rumanian oilfields and increase her influence in the Balkans generally. Mr J. L. Garvin, writing in “The Observer,” stated: “We are witnessing the beginning of the Rumanian question. not the end.” He added that Stalin was under no illusion as to what would happen to him in the event of a British defeat. PARACHUTE TROOPS USED BY THE RUSSIANS. STORIES OF POPULAR WELCOME IN BESSARABIA. MOSCOW, June 30. It is announced that the Russians are proceeding according to plan to Rumania’s 1914 northern border. Russian parachute troops occupied Bolgrad and Reni. Troops entered Storojinet and occupied the railway stations at Suiita and Lipcani. Mechanised units reached Parliti and also the Prut River, 35 miles south-west of Otaci. The radio says the people of Bessarabia greeted the Red army with bouquets, hugging and kissing the soldiers and shouting “For 20 years we have waited for this day.”