OPINION IN BRITAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 October 1940, Page 5

OPINION IN BRITAIN

DRIVE INTO MIDDLE EAST ANTICIPATED POSITION IN SOME RESPECTS OBSCURE. FIRST STAGE IN STRATEGIC PROJECT. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) RUGBY, October 11. The position in Rumania is still obscure in many respects, although information available has done nothing to modify the view of military and diplomatic correspondents in the Press that the enemy contemplates a drive towards the the Middle East and that events in Rumania constitute the first stage in a large strategic project. Reports received from Sir Reginald Hoare show that he had interviews with responsible members of the Rumanian Government. The nature of the interviews has not been disclosed, but it may be stated that they cannot be regarded as satisfactory. In the meantime there is no official confirmation in London of reports suggesting the military occupation of Rumania by Germany, but there can be little doubt as to the presence there of Germans in uniform and with some equipment. Concern in regard to these developments continues to be expressed by the newspapers. There is ample evidence of German attempts to intimidate other south-eastern European countries, but in official circles reports to the effect that German troops have actually moved into Bulgaria are without confirmation. Similarly reports of an imminent invasion of Greece by the Italians lack confirmation, and are regarded with some reserve in informed quarters. RUMANIA AS BASE ’ ARMED DRIVE TOWARDS DARDANELLES TURKEY LOYAL TO BRITAIN NAZIS OFFERING BRIBES TO RUSSIA. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) LONDON,'October 11. “The Times” says the Axis intends to make Rumania a base for further military operations. Germany is attempting an armed drive to the Dardanelles, as a first stage toward the Near and Middle East. A German spokesman does not hide the plans and loudly proclaims the hope that German forces will soon control Bulgaria, after which Germany apparently will be content to explore the possibilities of securing acquiescence by bribes and threats. A further advance is dependent directly upon Turkey and indirectly on Russia. Turkey is loyal to Britain, and knows that the British strength, already formidable, is growing in Egypt and Palestine. The Germans are. no doubt, offering Russia other spheres of influence in exchange for relaxation of the traditional Russian policy regarding the safety of the Dardanelles.