Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1943. BALKANS ISSUE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 December 1943, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1943. BALKANS ISSUE.

yi-IE present war passed last week the age of its 1914-18 predecessor, and the finish is not yet in sight, if apparently within calculable distance. Leaders on both sides express confidence in future ( victory, but the Axis stalwarts cannot, really believe that they can make a re-j eovery in the global war enabling them io negotiate a. peace, let alone dictating the terms. The anniversary of the GermanJapanese pact was made the occasion for some boasts by Berlin and Tokio, but these claims were mild in comparison with the threats of a year ago. The next twelve months must witness further weakening of Axis resources, and may also see their complete collapse. Allied superiority on the seas and in the air is now unquestioned, and on land, the Allies mainly hold the initiative, with bright prospects of soon using it Io great advantage.

Ribbentrop made light of recent Allied Conferences, and if there was some ground for his raillery, he could not conceal his anxiety. German troops in Russia and Italy may be putting up a good fight, but can have little hope of triumph, and meanwhile their losses are-heavy. It is from the air that the Allied offensive is most feared, and the latest raid on Emden, with heavy toll on German defending planes, was proof of the truth of the American claim that their aerial onslaughts are but as a. beginning. There is now no question that the Allies rule the waves, and await the day when the Japanese main fleet will be met and destroyed. An impartial survey of the whole prospects suggests that the Axis’ only hope is in diplomacy and cunning depriving the Allies of the fruits of their victory.

Meanwhile, the Allies are not, idle on the propaganda, front, and are meeting with some success in the Balkans. Russian influence in Bulgaria is having effect and were the Bulgars to break with Germany, Allied difficulties would be lessened. Reports concerning Bulgarian developments should, however, be received with caution. Bulgaria and Russia are not at war, and although Russians and Bulgars are friendly, the latter do not like the British and the Americans. In Europe, Russia is the dominating influence, to-day. For instance the treaty of friendship she has .just, signed with Czechoslovakia was regarded as premature by Whitehall and Washington. Czech post-war policy will be based on friendship with Russia, and not on reliance on Britain or France. In view of unfortunate experience in 1938-39, the Czechs can scarcely be blamed fox- taking new precautions.

There is little doubt that the Germans are nervous about Balkan developments, and are doing the utmost to induce the satellite nations not to quit the Axis camp. The issue will be settled by what happens in the fight.ihg areas. Were the Russians to gain a decisive triumph and the Anglo-U.S.A, Forces to capture Rome, developments would be convincing to the Balkan Governments, and German threats would be ignored. The Balkan rulers, without enthusiasm for either side, do not wish to be attacked by either. The raids on Sofia will help to induce Bulgarians to decide if the German bark is worse than the Allies’ bite. With Wintry weather at hand, large scale land operations in the Balkans will be difficult for any army, and probably the Balkan Governments are playing for time.