DESIRE FOR PEACE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 March 1941, Page 5

DESIRE FOR PEACE

EMPHASISED BY CABINET TROOPS MOVING TO FRONTIERS MOBILISATION ALMOST COMPLETE. NAZI INVASION THREAT. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, March 28. Yugoslav troops are moving to the frontiers. This movement be- " gan shortly after the new Ministers had seen King Peter, says a Belgrade message, which adds that after its first meeting the new Cabinet issued a communique emphasing that Yugoslavia’s independence, territorial integrity and liberty had been maintained and expressing the hope for peace with all neighbours. Another message says that preparations for war are being pushed on with lightning speed in Yugoslavia. Nearly 1.250,000 troops are at battle stations, and mobilisation is almost complete. The centre of Belgrade, including the Government buildings, has been cordoned with tanks, machine-gun posts, and steel-helmeted troops. The Sofia correspondent of the Associated Press says that the German forces of occupation in Bulgaria have started moving toward the Yugoslav frontier. Germany is reported ot have sent a Note to the Yugoslavian Government demanding an explanation of the speed-up of Yugoslavia’s mobilisation. Germany has urgently requested the new Government to indicate whether its foreign policy endorsed the Axis pact. Berlin officials declared: “Yugoslavia must know that the renunciation of fhe pact would be tantamount to giving Germany the signal to march into Yugoslavia.” Some Yugoslav leaders told the Belgrade correspondent of the Associated Press that the country’s foreign policy would conform to the Axis pact, but not yield another inch. The army .was in the meantime maintaining Its full war strength in case of emergency.

SOME MOB ATTACKS. Excited demonstrators in Belgrade beat up Germans and Italians in the streets, including an assistant German ail’ attache, who was seriously injured, says the Belgrade correspondent of the Associated Press. The Swedish Minister, M. Malmar, was dragged from his car and beaten up because, speaking German, he was mistaken for a German national. He is in a serious condition. Several cars carrying. swastikas were overturned and wrecked. Herr von Herren, the German Ambassador, visited the Foreign Office and angrily protested. The German legation has warned all Germans to evacuate as soon as possible. The “Daily Telegraph.” in a leading article, states: “There has been no single event more significant in its influence on the ultimate issue of the war. It may well prove decisive.” “The whole war situation has momentously changed in our favour,” says the “Daily Mail.” “The new Yugoslav Government is composed largely of men known to be more than passive supporters of the Allied cause. The inclusion of Dr. Matchek indicates that national unity has been preserved. General Simovitch is strongly proBritish and a man of action. His appointment shows that the army animates the revolt against the Nazis. Germany’s reaction may be sharp, but whatever plans she has made she will now have to revise them in the knowledge that there is another nation in the Balkans who refuses to take German orders.”

MR. AMERY’S APPEAL GREAT EVENTS OF PAST RECALLED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. March 27. The developments in Yugoslavia early this morning justify the remarks which the Secretary for India. Mr. Amery, who himself fought in Serbia in lhe last war, addressed to the people of Yugoslavia over the radio last night. He asked: “Will Yugoslavia sell her honour and liberty for a German promise?” and made clear his conviction. in the light of Yugoslav historv. that the answer was "No.” Even as he spoke that answer was being given. Recalling experiences of the last war. Mr. Amery said: “You never hesitated then when you were asked io submit io terms incompatible with your independence. You were only 5,000,000 people against 50.000,000. But you held fhn Austrians at bay for 15 months. When your country was overrun bv Bulgarian treachery you retired, frozen and starving, but unconquerable, across the Albanian mountains. For three years you waited in exile for the day when you could return at the head of a victorious army of deliverance. You earned as a reward your freedom in a great Yugoslavia.” Mr. Amery concluded by assuring his listeners that it was not too late to undo the weak mistake of their Ministers.

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

PREVAILING IN TURKEY. FLOWERS SENT TO YUGOSLAV EMBASSY. (Received This Day, 9 a.m.) ANKARA, March 28. Flowers are arriving continually at the Yugoslav Embassy from all classes and a national holiday spirit prevails throughout Turkey. REPORTED BREAK IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH BULGARIA. (Received This Day, 9 a.m.) SOFIA, March 28. Train and telephone communications between Bulgaria and Yugoslavia are at present broken off.