EYES ON THE BALKANS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23546, 5 January 1940, Page 6

EYES ON THE BALKANS

Although military operations in Europe will probably continue to be restricted during the remaining weeks of winter, eyes are still fixed on the Balkans as a possible scene of German attack. There is speculation in this morning's cable news concerning the likelihood of a German drive through South-eastern Europe toward the Dardanelles, in an attempt to open the Danube as an avenue for many of the essential supplies required by the Reich. The position, of course, has been previously discussed but the latest view is supported by German complaints concerning an alleged concentration of British and French troops in the Near East. Here is the established Nazi technique in full operation. If any country takes military precautions in defence of its own interests, then, according to Hitler and his cut-throat crow; an intolerable threat is being levelled against Germany,.sufficient to jugtify her in going to war. Both Britain and France have considerable interests to defend in the Near East and the Middle East, in addition to which they are bound in a firm alliance with Turkey and have guaranteed the territorial integrity of Greece and Rumania. The resumption of Germany's Eastern drive is always a possibility—providing, of course, that a division of the spoils is mapped out in advance with Russia —and in these circumstances Britainand France would be merely obeying the dictates of ordinary prudence if. they were to keep sufficient military strength available in anticipation of further aggression. As for the Balkan States, across whose frontiers the 1 Nazis may be tempted to march, they are all, with the possible exception of Bulgaria, deeply suspicious of the partnership between Germany and Russia, with the result that there is now a pronounced stiffening in their attitude toward demands from-Berlin.. -Italy's-

influence is also increasing in the Balkans and this may yet prove a factor in halting Germany's plans.