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Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1940, Page 4

The Balkans are again coming into- the news. Russia has occupied the desired territory, and Germany accepts the position “for the present.” Doubtless those three words have been noted at Moscow, where there must be other past statements recorded for memory. Roumania has been courting German support, and has now gone more definitely pro-Nazi, with the Iron Guard (always pro-Nazi) in power. Hungary and Bulgaria each require sections of Roumania, and there have been consultations at Berlin of a “friendly” character. But movement now is suspended, which defers action till later. Italy has very little say in the matter, Germany’s desires being the fountain of action. It remains to be seen how the Roumanian oil is to be disposed. Russia will require d share, and is in a position to dominate. Matters may drift while Germany concentrates on Britain, a task taking all available effort possible. In effect, the battle of Britain will decide many matters in Europe—and Balkan affairs are included. There is evidence of Turkey and Britain retaining • their agicement, which is of great importance in the circumstances. Russia and Turkey are not unfriendly, and their agreement is much to bo desired. Turkey is interested in Syria, under French mandate, and will not readily permit the country to pass into unfriendly hands. Russia may have some interest in that, as Britain certainly has. Its fate, too, is like the Balkans, bound up in the major war now pro 7 ceeding. Russia will have guftged the possibilities after the war, and is not committing herself to Germany, despite the rewards she has been able to obtain', without prolonged and costly struggles. The treatment ofi Germany with Roumanian oil is of importance at this stage. While Germany will make requests which Roumania appears ready to comply with, Russia may demand a share which would cut down Germany’s portion. The oil, is too urgently required for Germany to attempt anything precipitate in the Balkans to dislocate thereby the ordered trade now possible. - .