The Press SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1936. The Danube Basin

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21726, 7 March 1936, Page 16

The Press SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1936. The Danube Basin

Prince von Starhemberg, Vice-Chancellor of Austria, has sent to Signor Mussolini, on behalf of the Austrian people, “ the heartiest congratulations to their their vie-, “tones.” He refers to his country as “united “ to Fascist Italy by, a common aim and ideals. This, message follows immediately the disclosure- by Signor Mussolini that a three days conference to strengthen political and economic relations among Italy, Austria, and Hungary, will begin on March 18. Austria is still a divided ■ people, if the hasty rise and uncertain status of the Fascists under Prince von Starhemberg are sufficient evidence; but the coming ‘ conference, which is regarded as a step by Italy to secure leadership in the Danubian Basin, may leave the Fascists more strongly entrenched. Signor Mussolini is not indirect in his statement that the collective regulation of the Danubian Basin “cannot be effected without our presence, nor can it ignore our interests nor those of states bound to Italy. The implication is clear. The “ states bound “to Italy” must include Austria and Hungary. A consolidation in the Danube Basin, with Italy as leader, is a satisfactory prospect for Signor Mussolini when Italian relations with Britain and France are uncertain. And the prospect, taken in isolation, would not be ground for any disquiet in Britain or among member states of the League of Nations. There is a probability, however, that such an extension of Italian influence, both economic and political, would have a decided effect on the attitude of Germany. Germany has been diffident about declaring herself openly for' or against Italy; she has doubted the value of an alliance with an impoverished power in some danger of political isolation, and the possible effect of such an alliance on approaches to Britain must have been considered by Herr Hitler. But if Italy is able to assert herself more widely, the value of an alliance (to which Germany is far from indifferent) may outweigh Herr Hitler’s doubts . and fears. It may be taken for granted that Prince von Starhemberg will be anxious not to offend Germany by any adjustment after the conference with Italy, and that he will try at the same time to conciliate the Nazis and to assure himself of German friendship. ’ Thus Austria may conceivably become a link between Germany and Italy, between which there have already been tentative approaches. The final product might be a bloc consisting of Germany, Italy, Austria, and Hungary. The influences are not merely political. Sanctions have undoubtedly helped to bring Italy closer to the Danube states, Germany, too, shares with Italy .the itch for treaty revision and a grievance against Britain and France. The division of Europe into two camps appears again as a’ threat to collective security; and Signor Mussolini’s present talk of strengthening ties with his neighbours is a further indication of the testing time before those who are wording for European peace, r . *