The Auckland Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, The Echo and The Sun. MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1941. GERMANY'S NEW ALLY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 52, 3 March 1941, Page 6

The Auckland Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, The Echo and The Sun.

MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1941. GERMANY'S NEW ALLY.

For fAβ cause that lacks assistance. For the vyrong that reeds resistance, For the future in the distance, A nd the good that we can do.

The Bulgarian Government i-s not only acquiescing in Inn movement of German troops through its country; it has also joined the Axis. It must lie concluded that the Bulgarian leaders have not merely surrendered to diplomatic and military pressure, but fhey arc aiding and abetting the German penetration. They arc, in effect, speeding on a project to stab their neighbour Greece in the back. Whether they will take an active part in the attack is doubtful—perhaps that is not part of the bargain— though it is reported that mobilisation has begun. It may be that it is mobilisation only for defence, so that if the Greeks or their British allies strike at the Germans in Bulgaria the Bulgarian Government may loudly complain of an "aggressive attack." Whatever may be intended, it is clear that Bulgaria is in a different position from the Dutch, Belgians and Norwegians, who resisted the German attack, and also from the Danes, who accepted the German occupation under protest. This should make the British problem easier. The British Minister at Sotia, only last week, pointed out that "the principle of attacking occupied countries already has been established in Western Europe, and I think the same procedure would be established here." Bulgaria is not only an occupied country, but a sworn partner and ally of the Axis. She will yet learn that there is pain as well as pleasure attached to her new status. i

Meanwhile we must await developments in the neighbouring Balkan countries. Germany is not at war with Greece. Even though her forces will soon be threatening Greece she may try to avoid a state of war in the hope that her threat, backed up by diplomatic pressure, will induce the Greeks to make a peace with the Italians. If the Germans could accomplish that they could then turn on Turkey. But there i≤ not the slightest indication that the Greeks, having fought and continuing: to fight so bravely and with such striking success, will succumb to the threat, when they have an ally so powerful as Britain. Mr. Eden's visit to Athens, following immediately upon his conversation with the Turkish leaders, is well-timed. He will bring jto the leaders of the Greek nation assurances, solidly backed, of substantial aid when and Avhere it is needed most. It is noteworthy that the Germans are now engaged on a propaganda campaign against Yugoslavia, clearly with the object of ensuring that that nation stays quiet until her turn comes. There appears to be an opportunity for British propaganda and diplomacy to counter this campaign. It should be made clear to Yugoslavia—as the Britisn Minister, too late, was allowed to tell Bulgaria—that she will not save herself from war by yielding to the Nazis.