Evening star., 1940-07-28

against any Russian attempt to spread
westward. But he does not need large
nor united Rumania for that purpose.
Hence, If his Moscow partner wishes to
take few more needed slices from the
rump of that country there will be nn-
more opposition regarding that action.
than there was when the three Baltic
states were incorporated into the u.
S. S. r.
Bessarabia Small Prize. a
The occupation of Bessarabia and Bu-
kovina were the first steps toward the
larger and more complete operation
which the Stain administration has in.
mind. Bessarabia In itself is of little
If any consequence to the U. S. S. r.:
1t has rich soil, which produces vast,
quantities of wheat and corn, but fer
tile lands are not vital to the Soyiets,
these days. When the Russian Cars
occupied Bessarabia for the first time
in 1872, the Russian rulers already had :
an eye on Constantinople They in.
sisted that the Province Of Moldavia-.
at that time under the sovereignty OF :.
Turkey-be yielded to the Muscovite en-. I.
p1re because 1t was the best taking Ion >,
place for the conquest of the Turkish.
capital
That policy Of the Cars is being fol-
lowed today by the Communist regime.
Moscow Is expected to set forth its y
claims on the Dobruja in the near fu-
ture-before the main attack on Britain I,
occurs Berlin, 1t is reported here, has,
already been acquainted with these plans p,
OF the Russian government, and Herr :.
Won Ribbentrop has given an evasive
answer, which is being interpreted in
Moscow as turning on the green light.
Germany does not care how far south
Russia goes so long as the Carpatf1ian =
Mountains in the west remain the nat =
ural boundary between the Reich and
the U. S. S. r.
Soon after the answer from Berlin =
reached Moscow the Soviet government =,
informed King Carol that the Rumanian
cabinet must be made more popular and
liberal. Carol mas just had a tough
time Nazifying his government. Now he
Is confronted with the request to undo
all that and put good Communists in
power. His Premier, John Gigurtu.
rushed to Berlin to discuss the matter
With his friends in the foreign ofice. He
was cold-shouldered Upon his return
ne found that the Russians had IN
creased the'number of troops in South
ern Bessarabia by adding few motor.
lied divisions and good deal of cav
airy In the meantime, following advice
from Berlin, the Rumanian government
had demobilized almost 100000 reserv-
lists IN order to send them back to the
fields to harvest the meager crops which
Germany needed for this winter,
Blow at Army's Morale.
The surrender of Bessarabia tn Russia
knocked the fighting spirit out Of the
Rumanian armies. The Rumanian gen.
eral staff. doubtful about the ability OF
King Carols army to resist 4 German
attack. was more than confident that It
could give good account of itself
against the Russian forces The fact
that they were not allowed to measure
swords with these century y-old enemies
had demoralizing effect on the troops.
Now. when the Russians are preparing to
march into the Dobruja, the troops are
unlikely to prove of any value even if the
German government we're to permit
Carol to oppose the Red Army.
The conquest of the sea coast of Ru-
mania by the Russians and probably the
Bulgarians is considered in high quarters
in Washington to be question of weeks
mot of days. After this has happened,
the road to Constantinople and the Dar-
danelles will be open.
The Turkish government is naturally
aware Of what is going on President
1smet 1nonou of Turkey realizes the mis-
take he made by attempting to 70
against the powers of the Axis and by
signing an alliance with Britain and
France. London's commercial. loan of
some $1oo,ooo,ooo to Turkey can hardly
make up for the potential loss of Turkey
in Europe.
Turkey Sounds Out Germany.
In the last few days the Turkish Am.
bassador at Berlin has made friendly
advances to the German foreign ONCE
for the purpose of renewing the "trad1-
tional friendly relations with the Reich.
President 1nonou is reported to be willing
to sacrifice on the altar of friendship
Foreign Secretary Saracoglou, who urged
the deaf Turkish President to Join Brit
ain rather than Germany But this sac
rif1ce is considered belated by Berlin.
Neither the Fuehrer nor his diplomatic
lieutenant. Herr Won Ribbentrop. seems
to take particular interest in the Bal
kans at the present moment. Their
eyes are turned westward where there
is more scope for real expansion than
IN the troublesome small nations. It is
openly admitted in Berlin that the dsy
may come when settlement with Russia
Will be necessary, but that day is far OH.
for the time being.
The show must go on. While Ger
many is girding herself for the last bitter
fight in Europe and leaving no loose ends
anywhere, Russia will take the stage for
few days SO that the public will not be
bored. And Rumania will have to pay
for the show
I'm /la .-SY SJyDI