THE MIDDLE EAST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 October 1940, Page 6

THE MIDDLE EAST

UNIFIED BY THE AXIS THREAT SOMES BALKAN OVERTURES TO BRITAIN. RUMANIAN BETRAYAL. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, October 21. The Cairo correspondent of “The Times” says the Axis thrust in the Balkans has had the immediate effect of welding Middle Eastern countries into a solid bloc. Britain is speedily negotiating with Turkey, Greece, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt and the Free French and Belgian colonies in Central Africa. Messages from certain political groups are reaching Egypt from the Balkans offering support for Britain and requesting shelter for refugees seeking escape from Bulgaria and Rumania, also permission for menfolk to enlist in the British armies. Mr Eden’s presence has given a remarkable atmosphere of assurance. The feeling that Britain, under the pressure of German attacks, might pay less attention to Egypt has now disappeared. A Bucharest message says that a stringest blackout has been imposed in Bucharest, also the oilfields. A secret radio station accused the Government of betraying Rumania by adhesion to the Axis. It gives details of Iron Guard members in authority and warns citizens against them. Manifestos are being distributed nightly attacking both the Government and the Germans. The Government has approved the exportation of a quantity of oil to Turkey. ALL FRONTS QUIET (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) RUGBY, October 21. A Cairo communique states that there is quiet on all fronts.