THE WAR NEWS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 59, Issue 4222, 11 December 1939, Page 5

THE WAR NEWS

SUMMARY OF SITUATION. ACTIVITY IN THE BALKANS Radio and cabled news conveys the impression that the Nazis have been endeavouring to reach agreement with Roumania and other Balkan countries in an endeavour to counteract Soviet influences and possible moves. The position is frought with difficulties, for Hungary, besides seeking support from Italy and Yugoslavia, definitely opposes German moves towards Bulgaria and Roumania. That, at least, is the American version, though up to the present Hungary has been definitely aligned Nazis against Roumania. It woura seem that the Russians are counteracting all German moves ih that area.

The Fascist Grand Council has reaffirmed Italy’s neutrality. ItaloGerman relations, the council also announces, remain unchanged. Anxiety and nervousness have shown marked development among the neutral nations of Europe during the past week. Reports of diplomatic activities are clouded with rumour, and the resultant picture is a confused one, with many possible interpretations. This state of affairs is a direct outcome of Russia’s invasion of Finland. Her occupation of eastern Poland was regarded in some quarters as a defensive measure, if not a rebuff to Germany. The pacts she frightened Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia into making were looked upon with an uneasy tolerance. The blow struck at definant Finland, however, has convinced the chancelleries of both Scandinavia and the Balkans that they are in peril of an aggressive Soviet expansionist policy, approved either willingly or unwillingly by Nazi Germany." The deliberate vagueness of the Soviet on questions of foreign policy and the silence of Germany may be part of a new’ offensive in the wai of nerves. It is to be noted that in both countries State-controlled newspapers have fostered disquiet with menacing hints and attacks on

neutrals. Nazi organs have concen/trated on Scandinavia, Holland and Roumania. Moscow’s writers have abused Italy, and threatened Turkey as well as referring darkly to the Balkans generally. It is reported by’ a neutral observer in Berlin that the Nazis see greater advantages than disadvantages in an attempt to overrun Holland. Coming directly 7 after a tactful Dutch refusal to obey 7 Germany’s call, for resistance to the Allied blockade, this looks like another bombardment in the war of nerves rather than a threat of immediate action. A mid-winter campaign in the Netherlands would be a dour business for the German army. Reports from Finland are conflicting. The truth appears to be that although the Finns are resisting strongly and holding up the enemy at various points, the weight of the Red offensive is steadily making itself felt. Indeed, the Finnish Government in Helsinki is letting it be known that

Russia must win unless Finland receives “omer than sympathy” from onlookers. She must have arms and men, and she must have them soon. Sweden, Norway and Denmark are desperately seeking some formula by which they 7 can assist their Scandinavian partner, yet maintain their neutrality. After conferring in Oslo the respective Foreign Ministers of the three kingdoms have “agreed to do their utmost through the League of Nations to revive the RussoFinnish negotiations.” Their position is made all the more difficult by 7 Russia’s decision to blockade the Finnish coast. This will interfere seriously 7 with Swedish shipping and place Norway in the compromising position of being the only route of contact w’ith Finland, except by’ air. Another conference is proceeding in

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn. The participants * are Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia who are reviewing their position in the light of the Russo-Finnish conflict. The Soviet is displaying suspicion of Estonia. The latest news to hand regarding the northern situation indicates fierce

fighting in progress at several points in Finland. The Finns are putting up a desperate defence, and have achieved some minor successes; but observers indicate that Finland can not hold out long against the superior numbers and armaments of Russia. Geneva reports a decided concensus of opinion among League of Nations supporters for Finland; but the League is practically 7 inept, having no force to back its representations. The Latin countries, inclusive of practically 7 the whole of South America, are reported to be solidly behind the Finns—for what that is worth. There are claims that the Russians are using a deadly 7 gas in attacks on Finnish concentrations, and that the Finns are not equipped to withstand this mode of warfare. The U-boats are striking a good deal of trouble, and the British Admiralty announces that three boats were sunk in one period of 24 hours. Germany 7 is reported to be feverishly concentrating upon replacing losses of submarines. Seven more British and neutral vessels have been sunk, mostly by 7 mines, but in one or two cases by 7 submarines.