BALKAN CRISIS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21247, 18 October 1940, Page 6

BALKAN CRISIS

AXIS POWERS’ AIMS ENTRY OF GERMANS MENACE TO TURKEY (United Presa A»n.— Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 18, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 17 The Bucharest correspondent of the American Press says German circles stated that 150 bombers and fighters have arrived in Rumania, and a further 150 are expected to-morrow with 800 pilots, mechanics and instructors. The Balkans correspondent of the Times says according to authoritative Berlin sources the Germans intend to continue their air attack against Britain and maintain a fair proportion of their armed forces in Western Europe, in order to keep Britain in check, while the Axis is preparing large-scale operations in the Near East, aiming to break the blockade, implying a drive across the Balkans and Asia Minor to the Persian Gulf. It is now confirmed that M. Bagrianoff, Bulgarian Foreign Minister, when visiting Berlin was accompanied by Bulgarian staff officers in mufti, who met members of the General Staff,. It is stated that both Hungary and Bulgaria agreed in principle to the entry of German troops. The occupation of Bulgaria would sooner or later be followed by an ultimatum to Turkey to permit the passage of troops to the Near East or face the consequences. H.M.S. AJAX CASUALTIES 13 KILLED, 22 INJURED (United Press ash. —tiec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 18. 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 17 The Admiralty announces that the casualties on H.M.S. Ajax as a result of the engagement with Italian destroyers on October 12 were 13 killed, comprising two officers, nine ratings and two marines, and 22 wounded, comprising two officers, 18 ratings and two marines. CLAIMS BY ENEMY DAMAGE DONE IN BRITAIN WARSHIPS FORCED BACK ATTACKS IN AFRICA (United Press \*n. —Eiec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 18. 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 17 A German communique says: The Air Force continued its attacks on London and other targets of military importance in the Midlands and the south of England. Naval guns forced back several enemy warships which were attempting to approach the coast at the Western mouth of the English Channel. The British bombed German territory at night. Various residential districts were hit, and houses were damaged. An Italian communique admits that British planes violently bombed Tobruk, destroying nine sheds and damaging some large buildings and 45 houses. It claims that Italian forces attacked British positions south-east of the Daga Fiver, after putting the enemy to flight, with the loss of munitions and stores. British planes raided Diredawa, Gondar and other places. There were some casualties. The damage was slight. FIGHTING IN AFRICA OFFENSIVE PATROLS ACTIVE IN THE SUDAN AND KENYA (tutted press A«n.—dec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 18, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 17 A Cairo official communique states: There is nothing of importance to report in Egypt. In the Sudan and Kenya our offensive patrols continue to be active.

BRITISH PARLIAMENT EXTENSION OF LIFE LIKELY (United Pre»~ Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 17 A Bill is to be presented to extend the life of the present Parliament. The motion will be moved by the Prime Minister, Mr Churchill. The present Parliament was elected in November. 1935. and normally would be dissolved next month. Mr Churchill gave notice of a Bill to extend the duration of Parliament for a year. GERMAN CHILDREN EVACUATED FROM BERLIN PROVISION OF SANCTUARY (United Pres* Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright; (Received Oct. 18. 3.15 p.m.) BUCHAREST, Oct. 17 Preparations are being made in the Banat Province to house 200.000 children evacuated from Berlin, Hamburg, and other German cities.