sentatives of the Hungarian and Bulgarian Governments were invited because their countries have claims against Rumania which can succeed only if they have the patronage of Germany. The representatives of the Slovak Government were invited because their country has an important part to play in Germany’s long-term plan for the Balkans. By favour of Germany, Slovakia enjoys nominal independence, some measure of economic prosperity, and a voice in Balkan diplomacy out of proportion to her size or strength. The purpose of this flattering treatment is to show other countries that it pays to trust Germany, to discourage any popular movement for Czecho-Slovak unity, and to compel Hungary to move warily. Between Slovakia and Hungary there is an ancient conflict of interests; and it is obviously useful to- Germany, in her intricate and equivocal -Balkan diplomacy, to be able to play off one country against the other. The significant absentee from the discussions is Jugoslavia, which probably means that her destiny, according to the German scheme, is to be partitioned when the time comes. The nature of the understanding which has been reached in the discussions is hinted at by Marshal Goering’s newspaper, which claims that Germany has always viewed with favour the aspirations, of Hungary and Bulgaria. But it is clear enough that the time to realise these aspirations has not arrived and that the irridentist States have been induced to put off action until the war in the west has been ended. The small part that Italy now plays in Balkan affairs is indicated by the absence of any Italian representative at the Salzburg and Berchtesgaden meetings and the patently superfluous visit of the Hungarian delegation to Rome. Russia’s part remains uncertain, though the Moscow radio’s attack on Rumania and the presence of a Russian trade delegation in Belgrade show which way the wind is blowing. No clarification of Russia’s policy in the Balkans can be expected until she has adjusted her relations with Turkey.
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Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23085, 30 July 1940, Page 6
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326Untitled Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23085, 30 July 1940, Page 6
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