German Arms for Hungary

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22120, 16 June 1937, Page 8

German Arms for Hungary

Hungarian rearmament, sponsored by Germany* will add a disconcerting complication to the already confused and Unpredictable affairs of Central Europe. According to a cabled message, conversations between Baron von Neurath and Admiral Horthy in Budapest, "will "definitely establish the right of full rearmament which was denied to Hungary by the "Treaty of Trianon." This "right," of course, would be established on the same ground as the treaty-breaking rights claimed and acted upon by Herr Hitler. It is also reported that Hungarian rearmament is to be financed by one o:. Dr. Schacht's familiar credit arrangements; in other words, the German debt for Hungarian agricultural products will be paid off with armaments. This is not a new story. It is a repetition of the history of German." penetra"tion" in almost every country in Central Europe and the Balkans. But something may be read between the lines. German consolidation of influence in Hungary will probably carry the conflict of interests between Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini—patched up for the time being in Austria—further into Central Europe. If this latest move is according to a prearranged partition of German and Italian spheres of influence, it will presumably have no effect on the relations of the two Powers. But a militantly nationalist Hungary, well armed by Germany, does not seem likely to agree with Italian ideas of the disposal of forces. For one tiling, it would bring nearer completion the

Nazi aim of a consolidated German Middle Europe. When Dolfuss was murdered by Austrian Nazis, Hitler was not ready to take advantage of the coup by marching his men into Austria. With an armed Hungary to s' -engthen his hand he might be otherwise disposed should another opportunity occur. In that event Germany's frontier would reach the Brenner Pass, an expansion which it has been Italy's consistent policy to prevent. Admiral Horthy, Regent of Hungary, is a willing member of Herr Hitler's anti-Communist front; his disposition was shown by his ruthless massacre of Communists—and Jews—when he destroyed the Hungarian Soviets of Bela Kun just after the Great War. Since that time Horthy, with his associates, has built up Hungary on powerful national sentiment, with revision of the peace treaties as the basis of foreign policy. Italy, with an ambitious eye on the Adriatic coastline, does not desire the re-establishment of an empire in Central Europe. At present she relies on her ability to bargain with Germany for interests in Austria and elsewhere. But there can be no doubt that Herr Hitler is becoming a dangerous accomplice. His bargaining strength increases with every extension of Nazi influence in the south and east. The possibility of Italv casting in her lot again with France cannot therefore be overlooked in any long view. The French system of alliances, of course, operates through the Little Entente, extending through Czechoslovakia to Russia. Germany .has carried on persistent activity, through her minorities, to wean the Little Entente States from France; and she has had considerable success, notably in Rumania and Jugoslavia. Yet it is doubtful whether her way was clear for such a direct move as the sponsoring of Hungarian rearmament. It may turn out that this has been an error of policy which may serve only to consolidate the Little Entente, which exists to maintain the territorial boundaries which Hungary aims to break down. Opposition to Hungary is the force which binds the Little Entente. That force will be strengthened with every gun and aeroplane supplied by Germany to Admiral Horthy. And the countries of the Entente will undoubtedly be less favourable to reorientation of policy towards Germany, more inclined to seek and strengthen their alliances elsewhere. Jugoslavia, in spite of a long-es-tablished antipathy, this year made a pact with Italy; an event which has increased significance now. Rumania has a non-aggression pact with the Soviet. Fear of Hungary has in the past inclined Rumania towards Germany, as a powerful friend in case of aggression. Disillusionment and a turning towards France and the Soviet may well follow Germany's open support of Hungarian nationalism. Every open act of penetration in Central and Southern Europe makes it seem more likely that Herr Hitler will be left alone in his pursuit of an empire in Europe. Peace may well depend on whether or not ho sees fit to relinquish that pursuit. __________________