Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-08-29
Invasion of Rumanian Soil
Urged by Military Experts
as First Move for Teutons

BERLIN, August 20, via London
Military writer's in reviewing the situa-
ton created by Rumania's entry into
the war generally agree the new COM
blatant will be able to throw 100000
electives into the field. They estimate
she has ammunition sufficient for not
more than four or five weeks. except for
arrangements which may have been
made for bringing in large additional
amounts through Russia Rumania
herself does not possess large arsenals
or industrial plants suited for the pur-
pose.
Nothing Is known publicly. of course.
in regard to the disposition of the
troops of the central group beyond the
fact that for several months large
bodies Of these soldiers have been tied
up along the Rumanian border await
ing developments. These troops are
now released for action.
Urge Invasion Of Rumania.
Military commentators agree as to
the absolute necessity Of carrying the
war into the country of Germany's new
enemy by means Of swift movements
against Rumanian tanks. There is no
disposition to underrate the Rumanian
lTuly, Jul tHe speucI Is expressed Inal,
while the Rumanfan troops are fresh,
they lack much of the experience, and
especially psychic stability and forti-
tude necessary to meet successfully
the difficulties of modern warfare. In
course of time this experience may be
but before this point has been reached
Rumania may have shared the fate
of Serbia The economic advantages to
be gained by overrunning Rumania
49, III
of swift and successful invasion Ru-
mania's vast stores of grain and rich oil
wells would be accessible to the central
powers.
Indications are that the difficult nature
OF the ground along the banks Of the
Danube and on the Hungarian mountain
border will locahze the flrst clashes. The
general strategic situation makes It DOS
sible for the troops Of the central powers
to assume the defensive with thin lines,
larger masses free to attempt in
vasion at the selected points
Berlin Resigned and Calm.
It is believed here that Rumania.s
action was precipitated by the Bull
garia offensive against Saloniki and
that the Rumanian and Italian declara-
tons of war were synchronized for
political effect. According to dispatches
arriving here this view Is shared by the
neutral press.
The people Of Berlin received with
calmness and resignation
The announcement Of Rumania's decla-
ration of war against Austria Hungary
and the German governments step In
recalling its minister to Bucharest and
declaring that a state Of war existed
between the two countries.
The situation was discussed in all
the cafes with the feeling that one
more or less makes no difference The
in the German Official
report that Rumanians had been taken
prisoner was greeted with general sat
sfaction, some of the papers pointing
sleeping as the public might have
thought. !
Surprise to Rumanians.
All day yesterday the Rumanian con-
sulate and legation were besieged by |
Rumanian residents Of Berlin, to whom |
the declaration OF war came like a |
bomb out of blue sky. no warning Of |
,ny sort having reached them. Ru-
crowding the legation spoke |
bitterly Of their government for thus !
leaving them in the dark. but realized |
his was done to conceal the inten-
lions of the Rumantan government.
some Of them said they were certain |
unusual pressure was brought to bear |
4pon King Ferdinand at the meeting l
lecided upon declaration ct WAT and '