POWER OF THE STATE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 February 1941, Page 6

POWER OF THE STATE

NEW DECREE IN RUMANIA

DEATH SENTENCES FOR MANY OFFENCES.

THREAT TO TEACHERS & PRIESTS

<By Telegraph-—Press Association —Copyright i (Received This Day. 12.15 p.m.) LONDON. February G.

Teachers and priests in Rumania who use their positions to warp the minds of youth against the State will be severely punished under a now decree issued by General Antonescu. The decree unifies all legislation for the maintenance of law and order and provides death sentences for offences against the State.

General Antonescu, interviewed, said the interests of the State did not allow leniency and in future drastic action would be necessary against those disturbing the security of the State. Not only offenders, but their relatives would be punished.

The German News Agency says the new Rumanian law for the protection of the State imposes the death penalty for illegal possession <•>[ arms, looting of munitions and public funds, incitement to revolutionary action, firing on members of the Government, attempts 0)1 the life of the King and members of the Royal Family and failure to inform against conspirators. Other penalties include confiscation of property and dismissal from employment. The law stipulates that Jews and members of minorities are subject to more drastic penalties than Rumanians. The military, day and night, are patrolling, the streets and carrying out further searches ami arrests.

The Rumanian National Committee in London has issued a manifesto slating that its aims are the freeing of King' Michael, enabling him to rule constitutionally and democratically. They will fight for the reunion of Rumania within her natural frontiers and collaboration in the creation of a European order against the Hitlerian concept ion.