AXIS SEEKS ALLIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24423, 8 October 1940, Page 7

AXIS SEEKS ALLIES

BALKANS AND SPAIN . ANXIOUS EYES ON RUSSIA ALLIANCE AS COUNTER LONDON, Sept. 20. The talks in Rome between the German Foreign Minister, Herr von Ribbentrop, and Mussolini may be the prelude to a military alliance between the Axis and Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria. It is recognised in London that the conference aims at binding Spain closer to the Axis and consolidating the influence of the Axis in the Balkans and the whole of the Mediterranean area. Diplomatic commentators say that one of the Axis aims in Rumania has been to examine Moscow’s reactions and intentions. If these suggest that Russia is not prepared to take military action, then it is accepted in some authoritative quarters that Germany will shape the Axis war strategy for a blow in the Mediterranean area instead Of launching an invasion of Britain, which the" combination of bad weather, increasing British naval and military defensive power, and the R.A.F.’s damaging raids makes hourly more hopeless. ' Russia’s Role Reports from Bucharest state that military leaders in Hungary and Bulgaria all favour military cooperation with the Axis against the potential common enemy, Russia. Russian circles in Bucharest are openly displeased with recent German moves in Rumania, but whether the extension of German. influence to Rumania will produce a positive reaction by Moscow or will be ignored remains to be seen. A military alliance between the Axis and Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria would be a definite block to any Russian designs in the Balkans. The Rumanian Premier, General Antonescu, is thought to favour this project. The latest declarations of. the. Rumanian Government are interpreted to indicate that closer relations between Italy and Germany are hoped for by the Rumanians, who think that in the co-operation of the Axis Powers lies their only hope of regaining Bessarabia, the surrender of which to Russia was bitterly resented. Uneasiness in Greece There is a certain uneasiness in Greece lest Italy and Germany, finding themselves baulked in their attack on Britain, will determine to shift the theatre of war to the Mediterranean.

R.A.F. attacks on Italian bases in the Eastern Mediterranean are heartening the Greeks, who are setting great store on the immense strengthening of British land and sea forces in the Mediterranean.

It is accepted in Rome that the conference between the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, and von Ribbentrop. will decide to what extent Germany will give military support to Italy in the Egyptian campaign.

The Italian press avoids comment on the reasons for von Ribbentrop’s visit to Rome, but mentions “ the conclusion of an armistice with Britain.” This would be the natural explanation tending to jump to the Italian public’s mind, and probably reflects the Italian people’s wish to see the war concluded.

It is reliably reported that 400 lorries intended for the collection of German nationals In Bessarabia, were refused permission to enter Soviet territory. Russian officials said that they would bring refugees to the frontier.