ROME AND BERLIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24022, 22 January 1940, Page 9

ROME AND BERLIN

GROWING ESTRANGEMENT OUTCOME OF HITLER’S GAMBLE WHITHER MUSSOLINI? Russia’s operations in Finland are putting a heavy strain on the Berlin-Rome axis, states a despatch from the Rome correspondent of the Associated Press, published in the Christian Science Monitor early in December. Few things were better calculated to draw Signor Mussolini away from his German affiliation and toward the Anglo-French camp than Reichsfuhrer Hitler’s pledge of brotherhood to Joseph Stalin and the resulting Soviet thrusts for power. There have been numerous reports that displeasure at Russia’s unprovoked aggression in Finland and apprehension for the future security of the small Balkan States have driven her to the point of alliance with Turkey. If such a step were taken it would have the effect at once of welding the Balkans into a bloc with considerable powers of resistance and also ,of casting Italy loose from her German axis partner.

Already Italy has shown that for the moment ambition must give place to security. An agreement with Greece, published on November 3 to effect a policy of friendship and collaboration, serves as a warning to Berlin that Rome could not go with Germany to the length of aggression in the Balkan peninsula. While Herr Hitler has gambled hugely by abandoning his anticommunist policy which had been a mainstay of Nazi-ism, II Duce has not budged an inch from the stand he took when he pictured Fascism as the opponent of Bolshevism in Italy at the end of the World War.

Temper of People

The anti-Soviet and Pro-Finnish demonstrations which are proceeding in Italy, while Fascist troops guard the Russian Embassy in Rome, are an indication that Signor Mussolini is adept at judging the temper of his people. He is not taking the chance that Herr Hitler is, in altering a basic policy as a matter of expediency. With each succeeding step the Russians have taken to extend their influence in eastern Europe, the Baltic and the Balkans, Signor Mussolini has appeared to grow colder towards his Nazi partner ahd more opposed to the Bolshevists. Indications in responsible Rome circles are that the Fascist chieftain has determined to keep Russia out of the Balkans at all costs, since he regards this as his special sphere of influence.

This brings the famous Italian into a new role. Signor Mussolini as party to an Italo-German alliance of convenience was shorn of much of his power. Signor Mussolini as a more or less free agent again is a figure of vast importance in the European upheaval. As an independent neutral, II Duce undoubtedly exercises greater influence than if he actually a combatant and definitely committed to one side. He can throw his weight where he will, and since that is formidable but untried, it commands the respect which the unknown so often does exact.

The question whether Signor Mussolini may cut his ties with Herr Hitler and actually join Britain and France against Germany is one of the big and important “ ifs ” of the moment. It is especially vital in view of the activities of the Russo-German combine.

Leans Towards Allies II Duce is the only one who might answer the query about his future affiliation, and it is possible that even he could not give a definite statement right now. The belief is general in Europe, however, that he has been leaning toward the Allies for some time and it certainly would cause no surprise to see him cast his lot with them. In this connection, the part which Signor Mussolini played in bringing Italy into the World War on the side of the Allies, despite the ItaloGerman ties, is recalled. Early in the conflict, while Italy was neutral, Signor Mussolini started a newspaper of his own, II Popolo dTtalia, and urged his country to join Britain and France. Italy did enter the war .on the Allied side on May 24, 1915. Signor Mussolini went to the front and fought until February, 1916, when he was invalided out of active service. This does not mean, of course, that he necessarily would join the Allies again. It is not certain, however, that the Allies would not prefer to have Signor Mussolini as a silent partner, that is, give them his full moral support but continue to sit on the side lines as a powerful control. The Allies are anxious to keep Russia out of the Balkans and away from the strategic Dardanelles. With Signor Mussolini standing guard, Moscow will be less inclined to push far into the peninsula.