GERMAN PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23161, 6 October 1938, Page 14

GERMAN PLAN

I)IEW TRADE ROUTE DOMINATE BALKANS ECONOMIC MISSION GREAT CANAL SCHEME INFLUENCE IN EAST V t 1 , By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright , (Received October 5, 8.15 p.m.) ' LONDON, Oct. 5 The first concrete indication of the early implementation of Herr Hitler's visionary policy along the Danube is given by the visit of the 'German Minister of Economics, Herr Funke, to Yugoslavia and Turkey. The Belgrade correspondent of the Times says Herr Funke declared that fe mixed German and Yugoslav committee would be formed for the drafting of a new- trade treaty. Germany was able'' to negotiate for a longer term and offer better prices tlr&n others, and she could absorb one half of Yugoslavia's production. He added that Germany desired a settlement of economic relations in this part of Europe. The Angora correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says it is understood Herr Funke's mission' to Southern Europe is the creation of a new trade route from India via the Near East, Turkey, the Black Sea, the Danube, Maine , and Rhine, by which she will regain damnation of the Balkans and increase her economic influence in the Near East. ,

A Reich law was published on May 17 last, which lays down that the Rhine-Main-Danube connection, a waterway which will [link the North Sea with the Black Sea and provide cheap transport through the heart of ■ Europe, is completed by 1946. The River Main,, which is a tributary of the Rhine, is navigable from the con-, fluence of the two rivers up to Wurzberg, and a series of locks and canals •will connect -it, with the Danube. The new waterway will have a depth of between/7ft "and Bft throughout and will be navigable for vessels up to 1500 ; tons; .. -To , the Reich,, the Rhine-Mam-Danube connection will be a vital artery Specially in view of Germany's policy or economic penetration in South-east Europe;- It will be a direct link with Yugoslavia, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria and Greece, and a road fey which their Ail, minerals and foodstuffs may travel to the heart" of Germany. ••' ' f it is also planned to.establish along the whole course of .this waterway in Bavaria and Austria, a series v of new Cheap transportation and electric power at minimum rates mil-be provided. This programme will - gite Germany'another industrial district at a considerable distance from the French border and therefore easier to protect than the Ruhr. With the Danubian countries enclosed in the German economic sphere,. bhe need, fear no blockade from the west.