WAR TOPICS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 121, 9 February 1940, Page 7

WAR TOPICS

POSSIBILITIES IN BALKAN ENTENTE SUGGESTION FOR PACIFIC PEACE (By the BEACON Watchman) Four States with a lot in common, Turkey, Greece, Yugoslavia and Rumania, met in Belgrade and agreed on many points, chief of which arc that they will preserve peace in the common interests of member States and will continue the policy of excluding the war from their part of Europe.

Although no actual assistance pacts were signed several declarations were made to the effect that the Entente parties would stand by each other. Thus the Turkish Foreign Minister: "The determination of our countries to stand by each other need not be emphasised.'" And the Yugoslav Foreign Minister: "There exists a definite friendship among the four delegates which is quite unbreakable."

An American observer says that it is likely the Entente will merely labour for better relations with Bulgaria, and possibly with Hungary, but will not attempt to expand the bloc, lest it offend Germany.

Another observer is of the opinion that the conference has resulted in a minor triumph for Germany, but the total effect has yet to be seen.

One point that seems to be clear is that Turkey is anxious for peace in the Balkans and is x\ot taking apy risk. To come to an agreement with Rumania and Yugoslavia, however insignificant the result may appear now, shows that closer collaboration and assistance is possible.

It may yet mean that Turkey will be involved in the present hostilities, ancl there is nothing surer than if Turkey is drawn into the conflict. Allied cr6op> »vilT he fighting in

South-Eastern Europe. That is where New Zealand troops may experience their first fire.

I heard rather a novel prophecy recently in AVhakatane. It was stated to be the speaker's firm conviction that the League of Nations would be abolished after this war, and that America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand would combine for their own protection. It was to be more or less a new Empire. I don't know whether the speaker had given any great consideration to the subject, apparently he had not He did not in any way support his view and advanced no arguments wliv New Zealand, at least, should break away from thp British Empire. I can imagine more than a few good reasons to support ills idea but also can advance a proportion of six to one against it. That Avill provide material for further discussion.

The report that Germany is attempting to obtain railway rollingstock from Italy and other countries has the appearance of probability. The run-clown condition of German railways is now world-famous. The first war loan launched m the Reich was specifically designed to re-equi|> these railways and to make them reasonably able to stand some o? ihe strain which the war placed upon them. And in spectaculalr proof that all the things printedtrue came two wrecks with a death roll of, 184 on the eve of Christmas. On December 22 a Avreck at Gerithin, between Berlin and Magdeburg, was revealed to have killed 132 and injured 100. It was the subject 'if only a brief notice in the daily newspapers, and its cause was not revealed. Late the same night, a passenger train collided with a slow goods train on an open track between Friedrichshafen and Rudolf/.cl), on the shore of Lake Constance. The casualty list was 52 killed and over 40 injured.