ITALO-FRENCH RIVALRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 302, 21 December 1932, Page 6

ITALO-FRENCH RIVALRY.

Once more the Balkans are in a disturbed state, and a message from Belgrade states that Yugoslavia is preparing to defend her frontiers against Austria, Hungary, Italy and Albania. Signor Mussolini has characterised the story that Italy was preparing to attack Yugoslavia as ridiculous, but he has at the same time openly expressed his belief that Italy ought to be regarded as the successor of Austria-Hungary. Italy has always had a special interest in the Balkan States. Naturally she is concerned with anything affecting the coast opposite her own on the Adriatic, and it is of particular importance to her that this coast should be in the hands of an independent and friendly State. Italy contends that Yugoslavia is neither independent nor friendly, but that she is virtually an ally of France. The Italians say that Yugoslavia has continually encroached on Albanian independence. Italy also suspects France of strengthening her influence in the Balkans, and this has alarmed the Italian nation and strained Italo-Frerieh relations. Hence the naval rivalry between France and Italy and the strengthening of frontier guards. Lately Italian foreign policy has been in the direction of creating a better understanding with Austria and Hungary, and efforts have been, made to promote friendship with Bulgaria. This in answer to French influence with Yugoslavia, Czecho-Slovakia and Rumania. The Italian Government, after the war, used all the weight of its influence to obtain reduction of reparations for Bulgaria, Hungary and Austria, and it has recently shown great cordiality towards Greece and Turkey. In spite of the recent pacific utterances of Signor Mussolini, the French , are suspicious of Fascist foreign policy, and these suspicions are shared by Yugoslavia. Fascism interprets the exigencies of the Italian nation, and it has shown a special interest in the Balkan States, especially the coastal States of Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece. The French believe that Italy aims at dominance over the Balkans, and at establishing herself as the heir of the Hapsburgs. The Italians entertain similar suspicions about France. This tension between the two nations is a real hindrance to disarmament, and it also prejudices the matter of war debt revision, since both countries are demanding increased naval expenditure, thereby lending colour to the American contention that money saved from debt payment will be spent in arms. Perhaps the American linking of debt revision with disarmament will bring both Italy and France to a more reasonable frame of mind, and induce them to reconsider their wasteful naval rivalry and devote themselves to the economic reconstruction of which they stand in such urgent need. r^. r n '■,