The Waikato Times MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1940 BALKANS ON WAR FOOTING

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21036, 12 February 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1940 BALKANS ON WAR FOOTING

Placing themselves on a war footing, the Balkan countries are preparing a situation that must exert a powerful influence on the whole trend of the war. Among them they can place several millions of men in the field, and their strength if effectively combined would equal that of a great Power. The present belligerents must ask themselves on which side of the conflict that strength will be thrown. On the answer to that question a great deal will depend. If the Balkans are involved the probability is that Italy also will eventually become a belligerent. Is it possible that this great aggregation of fighting strength will choose to aid Germany to destroy the democracies ? Even the most detached thinker must conclude that the decision will be the other way.

It is possible, of course, that the Balkan States will not act with complete unanimity. But the Entente appears to be sound and opposed to German and Russian aggression. Of Bulgaria there appears to be no certainty, but Hungary is showing signs that she will never tolerate German encroachment without a struggle. Watchful neutrality is the policy of all the Balkan States, but the facts that they have increased their armies to war strength and are arming, equipping and providing for the supply of every available man indicate that they are very doubtful whether neutrality can be preserved indefinitely. The opinion is growing steadily that if the German attempts to break the blockade in the west fail or meet with only moderate success, Germany will seek conquests in the south-east to replenish dwindling supplies and gain help if possible. Turkey is a strong influence behind the Balkans, and all have a common objection to any incursion by the Russians. Turkey has seized a German-owned shipyard on the Golden Horn and in advance has rejected the expected German protest. Germany’s attitude to Turkey is likely to become hostile. That is one of the possible avenues through which the war may spread into the Balkans. The Nazis may seek to employ the Russians to counter the Turkish move; if they do, an explosion may be expected. Or if Germany herself decides upon direct action against the Turks, the other Balkan States are in the way.

That Russia realises the possibilities of the situation is indicated by the fact that a Soviet representative is holding frequent conversations in Rome in an endeavour to improve relations with Italy. Attempts are being made to negotiate a trade treaty, but Russia’s offers are to a large extent discounted by her failure to supply Germany with the material promised—a subject of recent pointed comment from Italy. Italian feeling towards Russia is not friendly, and although because of shortages of certain raw materials Italy may be disposed to make a commercial bargain, from the political point of view the difficulties between the two countries seem to be almost insurmountable.