ON GRAND SCALE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 March 1941, Page 5

ON GRAND SCALE

MILITARY PREPARATIONS IN YUGOSLAVIA ATTITUDE OF NEWSPAPERS. FIRM STAND IN DEFENCE OF NEUTRALITY. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. March 16. Military preparations in Yugoslavia continue on a grand scale. It is estimated that two-thirds of the front-line troops have now been called up. Their morale is excellent. Troops are everywhere on the inarch and the skies are full of aeroplanes. The army is requisitioning more and more buildings. The “Daily Telegraph's” Belgrade correspondent says Germany has three times made representations to Yugoslavia seeking her co-operation in the new order, but Yugoslavia merely offered to exclude “foreign influences” and sign a non-aggression pact, which Germany refused. The Belgrade correspondent of the Associated Press states that large numbers of German troops are reported to be moving up to the RussianRumanian frontier, the defence of which Germany a few weeks ago entrusted to Rumanian troops. Considerable German activity continues along the Greek-Bulgarian frontier. The weather provides the most cheerful weekend news about the Balkans. Heavy rain and snow are falling over a wide area and will substantially slow down the German troop movements. Every day gained is worth something to the British and the Greeks. The Ankara correspondent of “The Times” says military officials in Ankara believe that the Germans will not venture to attack Greece without the use of the Vardar Valley and also' the Struma and Mesta passes, but at present there is no indication that Germany will gain these facilities from Yugoslavia without fighting for them. Germany so far has made no official demands to Yugoslavia and is still investigating what concession Yugoslavia is prepared to make. A few weeks before the Germans marched into Bulgaria Turkey asked Yugoslavia whether she was prepared to participate in a defensive arrangement. Yugoslavia was then unwilling to undertake more than the defence of her own frontiers, but she is probably showing greater interest now. Newspapers in Yugoslavia continue to take a firm stand in defence of neutrality. Reuters quote one significant article in a leading Belgrade newspaper, “Politika,” in which the writer says! “Yugoslavia will resist attacks from any quarter in defence of her vital interests, her freedom and her independence. Conscious of their rights and international obligations, the people of Yugoslavia, now and in the future, will refuse to submit to any pressure which will humiliate them in their own eyes.” INSPIRED STATEMENT? Yugoslavia’s position was clarified late last night during a ■ surprise broadcast by the Belgrade radio in which the announcer read a statement which, though not claimed as official, was apparently, inspired. The announcer .referred to Yugoslavia's ideals of liberty, independence and peace, to which he said, she remained faithful. “It is the wish 6f Yugoslavia,” he declared, “to remain a non-belligerent country in this international conflict, but she has determined to take up arms should the necessity arise to defend her independence. That is the reason why we must continue to keep up the strength of our fighting forces, ready for any eventuality. “Those who are our real friends will realise that our armed forces are only kept under arms for the defence of the country. We wish others who, perhaps, are not so friendly to realise that any attempt to smash Yugoslavia will be met with armed force. Further, we wish to emphasise that we cannot be expected to sacrifice our independence for the benefit of foreign interests.”

The entry of German troops into Bulgaria is apparently not complete. The German High Command said today that the march of German troops into the country continues, according to plan.