THE FUTURE OF MEMEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23487, 26 October 1939, Page 10

THE FUTURE OF MEMEL

It is well within the bounds of possibility that Hitler before long will come to regard his pact with Soviet Russia as very much of a mixed blessing. Germany's traditional eastward drive has been halted by Stalin's insistence on a fourth partition of Poland; German influence in the Balkans is manifestly declining; and now the clutching hand of the Soviet is descending on the Baltic, the sea which Germany has for years regarded as peculiarly her own. With as much grace as he could muster, Hitler has had to accept the imposition of Russian influence on the Baltic States, notably Estonia and Latvia, and the latest move in the incredibly swift advance of Russia on the diplomatic front is apparently aimed at the nullification of a recent Nazi conquest. It was only in March of this year that Hitler succeeded in browbeating the Lithuanians into handing over to him the ancient port of Memel. Now it is suggested that negotiations are proceeding for the return of Memel to Lithuania. In all this the hand of Russia is easily discernible. Lithuania, meekly submissive only seven months ago, is in no position to turn on Germany unaided and demand the return of stolen goods. Russian backing, however, would strengthen her case immeasurably and the return of Memel to a state that is now virtually a Russian protectorate would give the Soviet another "window on the Baltic." The port itself suffers from the disadvantages of a bar harboiir with no great depth of water, while icebreakers are frequently required to keep it clear for shipping during the winter months. Nevertheless it has a definite strategic importance as a base for small naval craft and if Hitler is forced to relinquish his prize a clear indication will be given of his growing subservience to the Kremlin.