The Waikato Times THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1941 BRITISH DIPLOMATIC MOVES

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21357, 27 February 1941, Page 6

The Waikato Times THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1941 BRITISH DIPLOMATIC MOVES

Two diplomatic moves by Britain in the past few days might produce good results. The first was the heart-to-heart talk between Mr Winston Churchill and the Japanese Ambassador to Britain,.which is reported to have been very “ pleasing ” to the Japanese. The second is Mr Anthony Eden’s visit to Turkey at the moment when the Balkan position has reached its most delicate stage. The removal of misunderstandings before it is too late might have a far-reaching influence on subsequent events. And there is no doubt that the situation in both the Far East and the Balkans Is thickly strewn with misunderstandings and appreciation of what Britain intends and is able to bring about.

The Japanese have insisted that Britain and the United States have completely misinterpreted the Japanese policy and that there is no intention of using violence to implement the expansion policy. They have chosen to regard the British and American precautionary measures as a manifestation of aggressive intentions. This is clearly a case where a conference was necessary so that the policy of each party could be placed beyond doubt. If the public statements of Japanese, British and United States leaders are taken at their face value there is no need for the strained relations that have existed ever since Japan joined the Axis. It is to be hoped that the discussions in London will be the means of clearing up the suspicions that have been caused through' experience of Axis methods, in which promises and solemn undertakings have been used only as a means towards attaining a sinister end.

In the Balkans at the present time is presented perhaps the last opportunity of maintaining the solidarity of the non-aggression front against the Germans. It may even now be too late to prevent the Germans over-running Bulgaria, but it is most important that they should not be allowed to progress any further. For some reason, possibly of military necessity, the Germans are hesitating on the brink of the Balkan adventure. A more probable reason is that offered by the Germans themselves. They say that it may not be necessary to complete a military Invasion of Bulgaria because they believe that from fear the Greeks will be willing to conclude a separate peace with the Italians. In other words, the Germans still place much reliance upon the weapon of terrorism. Greece, however, declares that she will fight to the end.

Turkey wields immense influence in the Balkans, and it is there that Mr Eden has gone to assist in shaping the future course of the Balkan States. There is no doubt that Turkey remains faithful to her warning that she will resist aggression immediately it threatens Turkey or her vital interests in the Balkans. The uncertainty exists in the point at which Turkey would consider her vital interests are threatened. Turkey has it within her power to perform a great service to the Allied cause and at the same time to herself. Observers in all parts of the world have no doubt that Turkish interests are already being threatened by the German infiltration into Bulgaria. Mr Eden’s visit might do much to clarify the position in the minds of the leaders of the two nations.