GERMAN AIM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 March 1941, Page 5

GERMAN AIM

CORRIDOR TO AEGEAN SEA TERRAIN UNFAVOURABLE FOR EARLY MOVE. COMMENT ON YUGOSLAVIA’S ATTITUDE. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) . . LONDON, March 6. The Turkish Press does not discuss Hitler’s message. Germans in Turkey suggest that Germany wants a corridor to the Aegean Sea, but not necessarily to Salonika, presumably with the idea of cutting communications between Turkey and Greece before attacking Salonika. The muddy ground in Thrace, the region covering north-western Turkey and the extreme north-east of Greece, is unfavourable for military operations for two or three weeks.

The air raid defences of Istanbul were tested last night. More mines are being laid in Turkish waters, and all Turkish ships are being placed under a commission which will licence ships for foreign voyages. The country is calm, but some British nationals and also Jewish refugees from Europe are withdrawing their money from the banks. Russia’s attitude is the chief subject of discussion in Turkey. The newspaper “Ikdam” declares that unless Russia has decided on suicide she will not let Germany come nearer her lifegiving arteries. The Soviet army organ, “Red Star,” which is the first Russian newspaper to comment on the occupation of Bulgaria says: "The German aim is obvious; it is to neutralise Turkey.” Taking a detached view, the paper says that the struggle for the adherence of Turkey and Yugoslavia will become more intense. Eoth the Axis Powers and Britain were concerned only with the strategic position in the Balkans, R says.

An Athens message says the international diplomatic struggle is attracting more attention than the war. The Greeks are entirely defiant in face of the German military threat and are satisfied with Turkey’s attitude. The Greeks emphasise that this is a time for big measures and big risks. The Belgrade radio announced: “Yugoslavia is conscious of her obligations of strictly maintaining a policy of peace and strengthening her security. Yugoslavia did not change her policy at the beginning of the war and there is no particular reason why a change should be visible now.” FOR OR AGAINST? REPORTED BRITISH QUERY. YUGOSLAV’S DESIRE TO REMAIN INDEPENDENT. LONDON, March 8.

The Yugoslav Prime Minister and Foreign Minister issued a communique

stating “The present developments are being closely followed. Yugoslavia’s independence and entity are ever before us.” The London “Daily Express” says the British Government through its Minister to Belgrade, Sir Ronald Campbel], has asked the Yugoslav Government for a statement of its intentions, namely, “Are you for or against us?” making it clear that Yugoslavia cannot be on both sides and that aid for Germany will mean a break with Britain. A message from Athens via Bulgaria says that the Greek Premier, M. Korizis, had a lengthy conference with the German Minister. In Cairo, Mr. Eden and General Dill had a conference with General Wavell, Admiral Cunningham and Air Chief Marshal Longmore.