BALKAN SITUATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 132, 4 May 1940, Page 7

BALKAN SITUATION

INSECURE PEACE. _ NO FRESH CHANGES. RASH TALK BELITTLED. i (United Press Association—liy Electric 'l'elegrapn—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received May 4, 10.5 a.in. RUGBY, May 3. The diplomatic correspondent of the Times says there is nothing to suggest that the situation in South-East Europe, where there have been some signs of anxiety lately, lias become more acute. Nevertheless, rumours have been current which, if true, would indicate that peace in the Balkans is not as secure as might be wished. The Premier (Mr Chamberlain) informed the House of Commons recently of the conclusions reached after the visit to London of the British representatives in the Balkan and Danubian countries. It would be wise for all concerned to lay to heart this clear statement of policy which the Government is resolved to follow. It is greatly to be hoped, therefore, that the signs and symptoms which have given rise to these disturbing reports will soon cease, f.or it would be the height of rashness to assume that an act of aggression against any one ol the Balkan States would not rapidly lead to a wide extension of the war with incalculable consequences to those concerned. AMERICAN INTEREST. According to a Press Association message' from Washington, President Roosevelt, at a Press conference, indicated that the United States was working actively to prevent an extension of the war into Italy or the terranean. He said that the United States had consistently endeavoured to prevent the spread of the war, but he did not reveal whether the current efforts for peace are as direct as his personal intervention in the crisis before the outbreak of the war in September. „ . . President Roosevelt conferred for half-an-hour with the Italian Ambassador (Signor Colonna). “These consultations, which have now been concluded, have afforded evidence of the close interest which the British Government takes in the countries concerned. The purpose of the discussion has • been, in accordance with the Governments settled policy, the promotion of security in the Balkan and Danubian countries. With these words Mr Chamberlain, speaking in the House of Commons on April 18 prefaced a brief statement concerning t!ig discussions which had been taking place between the Government and British representatives in South-Eastern Europe. “Not one of these States between whom it is the desire of the Allies to see the growth of mutual understanding has -any cause for fear that the Allies or their forces will ever threaten their independence or integrity/’ . declared the Premier. “In the economic field the discussions have been conducted on the. basis that it is the policy of Ilis Majesty s Government so to develop their relatione with these countries as to ensure, as far as possible, a lasting increase in Jhei/ commercial exchanges with them.