SOVIET DEMANDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 July 1940, Page 5

SOVIET DEMANDS

PRESENTATION IN MOSCOW EMPHATIC SUGGESTION. OUTCOME PLEASES STALIN. LONDON, June 82.’ The Moscow wireless announced full details of the Soviet demands on Rumania and described how they were met. The following declaration, it stated, was made by M Molotov to the Rumanian Ministers on June 26: “In 1918 Rumania, taking advantage of Russia’s military weakness, took possession of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, and with this action tore territory from the Ukraine, to which it belonged both historically and culturally. The Soviet had never been reconciled to this act, and has repeatedly displayed its dissatisfaction to the whole world. “At present, when the international ; situation demands rapid settlement in the interests of a sound peace, the Soviet believes her territories should be returned in the interests of justice. “The Soviet considers that Northern Bukovina, 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 22 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 part of Northern Bukovina should be handed to the Soviet.” Yesterday a reply to this declaration was received from Bucharest asking for negotiations. M Molotov demanded a straight answer at once. Did Rumania accept the terms? Rumania said she did. M Molotov then suggested that Rumanian troops should get out of Bessarabia and Northern’ Bukovina in four days, and Rumania suggested that the limit should be extended because communications in the territories had been damaged by rain and floods. M Molotov replied indicating that he would discuss the extension by, several hours. During the four days Soviet troops would move in, and railways, airports and fire stations would have to be handed over intact. Rumania had to comply by noon today, and an hour before the ultimatum expired she complied with all the demands. Stalin afterward expressed himself as “immensely pleased with the Rumanian loyal co-operation.” TURKISH FLEET RETURN TO BOSPHORUS. TROOP CONCENTRATIONS ISTANBUL, June 30. The Turkish fleet, after a cruise in the Black Sea, returned to the mouth of the Bosphorus. Intensive troop movements continue. Shiploads of Anatolian troops have arrived on route to the BulgarianTurkish frontier. RUMANIAN DENIAL NO DEMAND FOR PORTS. ON DANUBE & BLACK SEA. BUCHAREST. June 30. The Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina was completed without incident. The Ministry of Propaganda denied that Russia demanded ports on the Danube and Black Sea.

LIMIT ON MOBILISATION. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 9 a.m.) BUCHAREST, June 30. .It is reliably reported that King Carol has appealed to Signor Mussolini directly and personally, in view of Hungarian and Bulgarian demands. Although the results are unknown, it is understood that the situation has appeared to have improved. The General Staff had called approximately 200,000 more men to report within 24 hours, making an army of 2,200,000, but after King Carol's appeal it was decided not to call 800.000 more trained reserves that are available.