NAZI DUPLICITY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 83, 8 April 1941, Page 7

NAZI DUPLICITY

LATEST AGGRESSION

ALLEGED CONSPIRACY

GREEK & YUGOSLAV CONNIVANCE

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, April 6.

Today's German communique, in describing as a '"counter-offensive" its onslaught on the Yugoslavs- and Greeks- two peoples which have never threatened Germany—gives the key to the long propaganda statements that, have emerged in almost identical form from Berlin and Rome. The model adopted for Hitler's brutal descent on Norway is closely folloAvcd in the parade of fabulous accounts of a British conspiracy and allegations of connivance by the Greek and Yugoslav

leaders

The world knows that British diplomacy in the Balkans has persistently sought' to prevent the spread of hostilities. It was for that purpose, as was stated at the time, that the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Eden, went again to Athens. As to the Yugoslav leaders, it may be assumed that, like their predecessors, in falling victim to Nazi outrage, they were determined not to risk compromising their neutrality, which it was their whole concern to preserve.

Characteristic touches in the German communique are the use of the name Serbia for Yugoslavia and a description of the capital, which has been bombed though it was declared an open city by the Yugoslav authorities, as the "fortress of Belgrade."

Nazi duplicity excelled many of its former performances when, according to the German wireless, journalists were told at the Foreign Office in Berlin this morning that the Yugoslavs had been given assurances that if they would come within the framework of the new European order they would receive an outlet to the Aegean Sea, including the city and harbour of Salonika, this gift of a part of Greek territory being offered at a time when Germany was officially maintaining peaceful relations with the Greek Government.

The Nazis solemnly state that the answer from the "clique in Belgrade" was "stupid and criminal," and that it Avay now necessary for Germany to "dispatch her army to restore order in that part of Europe." Herr yon Ribbentrop is stated to have been present Avhen the journalists received this enlightenment, but no report is given of any detailed explanation by him of the meaning of the words "restore order.".

The reaction of neutral countries to Germany's new aggression is awaited with interest in London. In particular it is noted as an encouraging development that Russia and Yugoslavia have signed a treaty of friendship and non-aggression, particularly as regards the clause which provides for continuation of tho friendship in the event of cither becoming a A-ictim of aggression. '

As regards America's attitude, there is no doubt that the British and United States Governments will be in close touch as the situation develops. America has already made it clear thai she will help all A'ictims of aggression.

The British people had not allOAved themselves entirely to give up the hope that Yugoslavia, by resolution, cour.age. and unity might have saved itself from the cruel trials of Avar. The disappointment of that slender hope caused no surprise, but only indignation as bitter as that aroused by any in the long series of Nazi outrages, and a fiercer and higher determination to relax no effort till Hitlerism is crushed.