Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1939, Page 4

The partition of Poland has been carried out very completely to the satisfaction of Germany and Russia, according to the latest accounts. The complete absorption of the territory, however, does not fit in with the German reports earlier, that there was to be a buffer state remaining for the Poles between the two nations occupying the remainder. Probably that was what was wished, but it would seem Germany has started something with Russia that might go much further than was contemplated. The two nations are to be beside each other, art* Herr Hitler will have occasion to recall all that lie said about Communism, and may wish for some other outlook than the picture growing up before him. The Soviet troops following their mopping up, are establishing the rule of the Soviet, and giving tho land of the aristocracy and the betteroff peasants to the poor peasants. When this regime develops beside the German interests, the latter nation may have to be at some pains to keep Soviet ideals outside its boundaries. The buffer state would have been use-' ful for that, but that is not to remain, and Germany will have to endure Communism in close jurisdiction. Similarly, Hungary, which Germany “persuaded” to join the Anti-Comin-tern Pact in opposition to Communism as a fell disrupting creed, will also have to accept Russia as a frontier neighbour. It seems clear that matters are not going to work out too well to the first idea which prompted Germany to select its strange bedfellow. There are other aspects, also, in the cutting off of the Balkan States from German influence, which will net be pleasant, to contemplate on the part of Herr Hitler. His domestic position is likely to become more and more complex as Russia develops her own policy and inclinations. The Soviet troops have gone much further than was intended, and it is not clear that they are disposed to stop at any frontier laid down for them. German troops fought over much of the country Russia has now occupied. It can be assured it was not- Herr Hitler’s design to I sacrifice German lives for the benefit of Russia! He has now the. opportunitv to contemplate that sacrifice. At this stage, Russia counts materially, not only on the duration of the war, but the methods under which it is to be conducted. The conversations with the Tukrish Minister may assist to throw some light on further possibilities.