A DANGER ZONE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 154, 25 March 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

A DANGER ZONE

Topical Comment On The Mediterranean Area

“Mediterranean Crisis,” by' Harry J. Greenwall (London: Nicholson and Watson).

A readable examination of affairs in one of the world’s danger zones is provided by “Mediterranean Crisis.” Its author, Harry’ J. Greenwall, is a journalist whose previous books, “American Scene” and “Pacific Scene” were well received. In this case, however, Mr. Greenwall obviously has written in the greatest hurry, being more concerned with recording the latest development in the Mediterranean area than with offering any real analysis. Evidence of this hurry is everywhere in the book, the page title of which is “Mediterranean Scene,” though the publishers have added a last-minute note explaining their adoption of the word “Crisis” because, as they say, “events have shown that it is far from being a mere ‘scene.’ ” The last chapter was written on the eve of Barcelona’s fall, and an after-thought was added later in January. Then, after the fall of Barcelona, the author has slipped in a postscript, dated January 29, 1939. Good journalism this, but not much deeper than any weekly dispatches from a sound correspondent in Mediterranean waters. If, however, the book be accepted as less a reasoned examination of the situation than a vivid glimpse of some of the sidelights, together with a brisk review of the background, then it will be enjoyed for what it. is. Mr. Greenwall devotes much attention to the war in Spain. He is one of the many who believe it to be not a civil war of Republican versus Nationalist, but a conquest of Spain by the combined forces of Fascism. His pen is bitter on the subject, and his view is that Great Britain has not only cut a sorry figure by’ her failure to support the Spanish Government, but also stands in danger of losing Gibraltar and facing increased hostility in the Mediterranean area generally. On the other hand he is not impressed by Italy’s position, offering France reasons in support of his contention that Britain and France with the assistance of Greece and Turkey have nothing to fear in the Mediterranean frotji Signor Mussolini. He points out, however, that till the AngloItalian quarrel which was begun over the Abyssinian campaign has been properly made up—not cloaked by so-call-ed “gentlemen’s agreements”- —the danger of friction leading to graver trouble will remain.

Many English and foreign writers (lie says) have drawn attention to the great danger to peace so long -as the war in Spain continues, but in the opinion of many the real danger will come when tho war in Spain Is over and there ar e spoils to divide. There will come then to the surface of the turbulent waters of the Mediterranean the question of spheres of Influence in the western part of that sea.

Interspersed with all this are interesting reviews of the European colonies in North Africa, comparisons between French, British and Italian administrations, and intimate little bits of recerit history which help in their way to illuminate the scene as a whole. A topical book, and one not lacking in contemporary value provided that the opinions expressed be weighed as those of a commentator who has hud little time to consider and none at all to reflect.