BALKAN CRISIS

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21370, 14 March 1941, Page 6

BALKAN CRISIS

YUGOSLAVS’ DILEMMA 1,000,000 UNDER AR/VJS DEMANDS BY GERMANY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyngbt) LONDON, March 12 The Balkans situation is the subject of a flock of conflicting rumours and reports. The only concrete fact emerging is that over 1,000,000 men are now under arms in Yugoslavia and the number is increasing. The official explanation is that the men are required for manoeuvres. Pro-German circles report that Yugoslavia has agreed in principle to sign the Tripartite Pact, but other quarters believe the Germans will not press for signing of the pact because this would be likely to court refusal. It is reported that trains coming from Greece are crowded with Germans, who state that they were told by the consulates at Athens and Salonika to leave the country immediately. Frontier reports reaching Belgrade say that large numbers of Italian motorised and mechanised units are arriving at Skodra, mostly from Durazzo. Frontier traffic between Italy and Yugoslavia is almost at a standstill. A strip of territory on the Italian side, three miles wide, has been evacuated by all except property owners. The British Broadcasting Corporation says the latest story circulated by German propagandists is that Yugoslavia has agreed to join the Axis. More reliable reports state that yesterday the atmosphere in Belgrade was more cheerful than for some time. Demands by Germany Germany is reported to have sent a Note to Yugoslavia making the following demands:— 1. Demobilisation of the Yugoslav Army. 2. Complete German control of Yugoslav economy, transport and communications. 3. The right to send war materials through Yugoslavia, while reserving Rumania and Bulgaria for the transport of men. 4. The right to pass troops through Yugoslavia if this becomes necessary later. 5. Yugoslavia to sign the tripartite pact. Policy of Turkey It is reported from Ankara that after hearing the Prime Minister, Dr. Refik Saydam, outline the political situation and review the Government’s actions, a private meeting of the People’s Party unanimously approved the Government’s policy.