Evening star., 1941-04-03

ton, meanwhile holding troops
expected to be lightning thrust
on YugoSlauia. AriS polUerS have
been attempting to split Yugo-
SLAP people oDer pact adherence.
BY the Associated Press.
BELGRADE, YugoSlavia, April
3.-Germany ordered all of her
Legation staff excepting two men
home to Berlin today in a furry
of ominous military activity and
diplomatic circles expressed be-
lief that Adolf Hitler had decided
that war with Yugoslavia was
inevitable
Only the German Charge DAFT
faireS and military attache were ex-
empted from the recall order, which
Legation secretary said would be
fulfilled by nightfall.
Motorized German troops were re-
ported massing in Rumania opposite
the Yugoslav frontier town Of Bella
Crkva, only so miles from Belgrade,
and at Szeged in Southern Hungary
Vladimir Mack, veteran leader Of
Croat autonomistS, announced he
was entering the new government
of Premier Gen. Dusan Simovic as a
Vice Premier and the nation thus
seemed assured of unity. despite
German and Italian efforts to
split it.
In reaching an agreement with
Mack. it was understood Premier
Simovic had agreed to publish a
statement reaffirming Croatian home
rule, which was granted by the
former government of Dragisa Cvet-
kovic, and also had accepted Ma
cek's demand for a three-man
crown council to guide 17-year- -old
King Peter.
Mack said he hoped that despite
all difficulties piling upon us we can,
with collaboration and a common
effort, preserve peace and overcome
the difficulties which dark times re-
Gently have brought upon us"
Nazis Renew Charges.
The German radio, in early morn
ing broadcaSts reminiscent of those
which preceded the Nazi entry into
Czecho-S -Slovakia, accused the Yugo-
SlavS anew of committing atrocities
against the German minority in the
country.
Indications that the recall order
was unexpected were seen in the fact
that last night the staff members
had been making extensive prepara-
tions to barricade themselves in the
Legation if war came
Large supplies of food had been
stored in the building and firearms
and ammunition were concealed
there.
I'VE worked out a scheme to de-
fend ourselves" one Legation men,
ber said, during the brief period
while our troops were crossing the
frontier and capturing Belgrade"
German circles here predicted
Belgrade would be in the hands OF
the Nazis within 48 hours after their
troops crossed the Yugoslav frontier
Warplanes Circle Over City.
Whether the YugoSlav general
staff would elect to defend the cap
ital in event of an attempted in
vasion remained a military secret
Yugoslav warplanes circled over the
city constantly, however.
German quarters declared frank
ly that recall of the legation staff to
Berlin carries grave implications OF
the inevitability of war breaking out
soon"
AS news that the German diplo-
mats were leaving spread, ENJOYS OF
other nations hastened to their Of
fees to keep in close touch with the
rapidly developing situation.
Officials of the Italian Legation
said preparations for evacuation OF
the staff already had been made
but declared no orders to leave the
country had been received from
Rome.
A Fascist spokesman expressed be.
lief that despite the gravity of the
situation war is not inevitable" ano
said the Italians still were seeking
(See BELGRADE, Page A-8O