The Pittsburgh Press (June 9, 1941)
NAZI THREAT TO INDIA SEEN IN ARMY PRESSURE IN REDS
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Germans reported ready for drive into Iran through Russia to flank BEF; Axis assembles flotillas
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Ankara, June 8 (UP) – delayed
Diplomatic sources today reported Axis forces on the move in Romania in an apparent plan to bring pressure on the Soviets for permission to cross Russia into Iran for a drive to flank Britain’s bases in the Middle East and bring a direct threat to India.
These sources said that a multiple German threat appeared to be building up in which pressure upon Turkey for transit rights for German troops is expected today.
Large-scale movement of German troops from the South Balkans was said to have already been started. These forces, it was claimed, are moving into position opposite Moldavia in a pressure drive against Russia.
The Germans were said to envisage seizure of British oil supplies in Iran and Iraq, and flanking of the new British positions in Syria.
Diplomats also said the Germans are expected to bring new pressure on Turkey for the passage at least of war materials and possibly of troops to Syria. It was doubted, however, that the Germans would press these demands to the point of war because of poor Turkish communications and roads.
Military quarters claimed that German troop planes are already moving from the Dodecanese Italian bases into Syria. British reconnaisance was said to have reported a concentration of several hundred Nazi planes at Rhodes and large numbers of troops ready for transport to Syria.
Alexandria reported frequent flights of German planes over the small shoulder of Turkey into Syria.
From the Axis territory along the coast from Constanza on the Black Sea, to Genoa in Italy, a mad scramble was reported to assemble shipping facilties. Ships of every variety and size were said to be being pressed into service in apparent preparation for heavy Axis troops movement s noth into Africa and thr Middle East.
It was believed that large numbers of Axis troops will be rushed into Libya as well as Syria.
German operations in Greece have been surrounded with greatest secrecy. There are no private communications with that country and neutrals in Greece have not yet been permitted to leave. A United States diplomatic courier was understood to have been refused permission by the Germans to enter Greece to bring out official mail.
The sailing of a Turkish steamer from Istanbul to repatriate Turks in Greece was postponed indefinitely and it was believed that all communications with Greece will be cut off until the new Axis offensive is launched.