WORLD IS NOT IMPRESSED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21819, 23 November 1940, Page 7

WORLD IS NOT IMPRESSED

Axis Diplomatic Drive British Official Wireless (Received November 22, 9.27 p.m.) RUGBY, November 21. The accession of Hungary to the new Axis agreement with Japan signally failed to impress the neutral world. The “New York Times” raises the question of whether the fact that Hitler finds it increasingly necessary to advertise his power and to throw more pawns into the game is a sign of strength or weakness. The British press discusses yesterday’s manoeuvre as a completely unimportant development by which nothing is changed. The “Daily Telegraph” referring to the familiar display of Axis jargon that accompanied Hungary’s admission to the pact says: “The alliance between the original Axis members and Japan concluded on September 27 was designed to call a halt to the further expansion of the war and to confer on humanity a lasting and just peace.” It appears to have escaped the Axis powers that since that date Italy has already further expanded the area of war by a savage and unprovoked attack on Greece.” The “Daily Mail” says: “Hitler could have used Hungary at any time—without a pact or against a pact.” Reviewing the incident in relation to the Fuhrer's helter skelter diplomacy of recent weeks the “News Chronicle” says: “The truth is that ever since Hitler met General Franco on. the Spanish frontier 29 days ago there has been diplomatic scurrying the like of which was never known before. The labour has been impressive but so far not a mouse has been born. It may be that it is ail nothing but a war of nerves.” “The Times” also remarks that the latest act which confirms but does little to accentuate Hungary’s attitude of forced connivance in the Nazi designs is not a particularly impressive product of ten days’ feverish diplomatic activity, “but so much must be presumed. To herald some more extensive conflagration is possible, though necessary action by Germany may be deferred for the moment in the Balkans. The next few months are likely to be a propitious season for the Axis campaign. In these conditions it may have occurred to Hitler to fill in an awkward interval by peace offers which would make a special show of using his victims under Nazi leadership and of indicting Britain once more as an obstacle to the peace order in Europe. Greece by the courageous resistance has shown how blustering dictators can be countered and provides an opportunity for British enterprise which is being worthily taken. Everything must be done to assist Greece to drive home the blow.” Nanking May Be Next A message from Shanghai states that it is reliably reported that the Nanking regime is joining the Axis immediately after the signature of the peace treaty with Japan early in December, in which Japan will accord Nanking formal recognition. It is understood that coincident with Nanking adherence to the Axis, the Italians, Germans and other members of the Axis will announce formal recognition of Nanking.