The Bay of Plenty Times MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1943. THE RUSSO-CZECH ALLIANCE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 13332, 20 December 1943, Page 2

The Bay of Plenty Times MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1943. THE RUSSO-CZECH ALLIANCE

The Alliance signed at Moscow by the accredited representatives respectively of Russia and Czechoslovakia is significant, and is indicative of the changed political views now held in Em ope. The Alliance covers both military and economic engagements and is to remain in force for twenty years. The military alliance definitely pledges mutual aid against Germany and her satellites. It is important to bear in mind that Germany is specially mentioned. We may take it for granted that the Poles who suffered such diabolical tortures at the hands of the Germans, will also join up with Russia and Czechoslovakia in keeping Germany in her place. Under the Alliance referred to both Russia and Czechoslovakia will aid one another in the economic field. In this field trade and transport facilities are most likely to,receive attention; and there is much that could be done in the way of trade that would be helpful to both countries and to the rest of Europe. Finally, neither country is to interfere in the internal political affairs of the other. Thus the Alliance is based on accepted democratic principles, and is therefore likely to endure. We may be sure that this Alliance is the forerunner of many others which will be entered into by European countries, indeed, entering into such alliances will become the vogue with the countries in Europe. Yugoslavia, Greece and Albania should link up, for their needs are the same, and all three countries are feeling the German yoke. What Bulgaria will do cannot be predicted. The raids on Sofia by American and British aeroplanes have shaken the morale of the Bulgarians, and there are persistent reports of strong efforts being made by different groups within the country to get Bulgaria out of the war, and cease to be the tool of,the Germans. Bulgaria stands in a very peculiar position, for she is at war with Britain and the United States, but is not at war with Russia. It is difficult to say what will happen to Rumania. The Dictator of Rumania, General Antoneseu, first got rid of King Carol; and then plunged his country into war with the Allies. Rumania will be made to suffer for her perfidy, but what her status will be in the new world cannot as yet be predicted. Austria will most likely have her independence restored. Austria has always been an independent State and before the last war was linked with Hungary and under a monarchy. After the war of 1914-18 which was started by Austria over the Sarajevo incident. Austria became a Republic and was making splendid headway under President Dolfuss, when the latter was assassinated. Hungary was separated from Austria and also became a republic. Austria was the first country annexed by Hitler.

Turkey is safe for she has a treaty of alliance with Britain and a complete understanding with her powerful neighbour, Russia. In "Western Europe alliances between Denmark, Elolland and Belgium would be the natural outcome of the Avar. France will revive and again take her place as a first-class Power. It is not unlikely that Britain, France and Russia will enter into a military alliance definitely directed against Germany. In the north, Finland, Sweden and Noinvay Avould be the natural link up, but the status of Finland after the Avar has yet to be. determined. Thus the nations Avill fence in Germany Avith a force of bayonets Avhich should be sufficient 4o keep that nation in order and prevent her ever again disturbing the peace of Europe. But these alliances will not hold unless backed up by the economic factor of mutual trade. . -