SOVIET & NAZIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 October 1941, Page 5

SOVIET & NAZIS

RUSSIAN REPLY TO HITLER POINTS IN THE BERLIN DISCUSSIONS.' FINLAND AND THE BALKAN STATES. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) MOSCOW, October 7. The deputy-chief of the Soviet Information Bureau, M. Lozovsky, replied to Herr Hitler’s allegations regarding AL Molotov’s four conditions on Soviet-German relations at the Berlin meeting.

He said that, firstly, M. Molotov raised the question of a withdrawal of the German troops from Finland, as the Soviet perceived that Germany was maintaining troops there with the intention of forcing Finland into war against the Soviet. Secondly, Hitler, contrary to the 1939 non-aggression pact, did not consult Russia regarding the sending ot the German troops to Rumania, and the Soviet could not be oblivious to the fact that Hitler was also preparing Rumania as a jumping-off ground for an attack on Russia.

Thirdly, it was clear after the dispatch of the German troops to Rumania, that a German threat was hanging over the Balkans. The Soviet attempted to offer a helping hand to Bulgaria, but the Bulgarian Government was not even able to enter into negotiations. Fourthly, Germany several times suggested that the Soviet was anxious to seize the Straits, but it was well-known that the Soviet last March assured Turkey .that in the event of an attack she could count on Russia’s full understanding and neutrality. This assurance displeased Germany. M. Lozovsky added: "If what Hitler says is true, why did he issue a communique after the Berlin meeting saying that he and M. Molotbv were agreed on all important questions?’’

Hitler in his speech on October 3 declared: "I learned that Russia had reached the hour to advance against us last autumn. I therefore invited M. Molotov to Berlin. He gave me four conditions. In the first place, he said that Finland must be liquidated. I refused.. Secondly, he asked if the German guarantee protected Rumania against Russia. I stood by my word to Rumania. Thirdly, M. Molotov demanded the right to garrisons in Bulgaria. I said that that depended on Bulgaria’s wishes. Fourthly, he demanded bases in the Dardanelles. I rejected the demand. Further talks were useless.”