PRESSURE ON YUGOSLAVIA

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21245, 16 October 1940, Page 6

PRESSURE ON YUGOSLAVIA

According to advice from Belgrade, the Axis is now turning its attention to Yugoslavia, demanding military concessions and the abandonment of Yugoslavian neutrality. Of course the independence of Yugoslavia spoils the patterns of the Axis aggression, and the watchfulness of a strong country lying along the other side of the Adriatic must be disturbing to Italy. Rumania has collapsed without resistance, and it is not surprising that the Axis is attempting to improve the shining hour by causing Yugoslavia to follow a similar course. The sweep of the advance to the east would thus be broadened and a cause for uneasiness to Italy would be removed. Besides, Yugoslavia is fairly rich in resources which might be exploited to the advantage of the Axis. It has been notable in the Balkans that Germany and Italy have advanced only where the opposition has melted away. Other countries, notably Greece, have been s-übmitted to pressure in the hope that they would capitulate, but Germany has not so far risked embroilment in war on two fronts. Greece presented an unyielding front and the pressure was abandoned. Yugoslavia has been approached several times with a similar result. There is hope that on this occasion an uncomprising attitude will cause the Axis to leave the country in peace. The Yugoslav Prime Minister has said :“ We warn everybody that we founded Yugoslavia with blood, and only so can it be taken from us. South Serbia is ours. Here we fight, and no power on earth can take it from us.” If M. Tsvetkovich means what he says it is doubtful whether Germany and Italy will insist, especially as Russia is closely interested in Yugoslavia. Germany is now apparently in full control of the oilfields and all strategic points in Rumania. Russia is concentrating troops in Bessarabia and Bukovina, where she has what are described as “ vast Russian Army encampments.” This may mean much, or little beyond the fact that Russia is prepared to defend her interests. The presence of such force, however, is certain to cause Germany and Italy to proceed cautiously and to be sure of Russian approval before launching out on desperate movements against Yugoslavia or any other State. The fact that Russia has been in action against Rumanian warships on the Danube and in the Black Sea suggests that the display of force is intended primarily to discipline recalcitrant Rumanians rather than as a warning to Germany.