AIMS OF THE AXIS

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 9362, 17 April 1939, Page 4

AIMS OF THE AXIS

GERMANY AND ITALY GRASPING STILL FURTHER

THRUSTING RUSSIA BACK

“The general aims of the Axis Powers are three/’ says flic “Manchester Guardian.” “They aim at thrusting Russia hack towards Asia, severing her from the West, and exploiting the East; Germany plans this and Germany benefits. They aim also at dividing France and Britain. Germany soothes France and carps at Britain; Mussolini welcomes Mr Chamberlain while the cry for ‘Tunis —Corsica —Nice’ rises in the Chamber and in the Press. (Munich was Germany’s gain; now it is to be Italy’s turn). Thirdly, they work, for the greater control of Spain, which will give them a deadly strategic weapon against us ami France. There are some things which one would like to see a British Prime Minister —or, if not him, the Foreign Secretary—making clear to the Italian Government as a step to ‘greater mutual confidence.’ One is that the idea of dividing this country and France will not succeed. Another is that, while we are glad to be friends with Italy, surrenders of principle and of just interests need no longer be asked of us, because we shall no longer make them.”