THE OPOTIKI NEWS Monday, December 18. 1939. SITUATION IN EUROPE

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 272, 18 December 1939, Page 2

THE OPOTIKI NEWS Monday, December 18. 1939. SITUATION IN EUROPE

The war in Europe, has already produced several surprise,'?' and it is expected that further surprises will come from time to 1 time ; probably some in the very near future. It has been made plain already that Hitler is prepared to violate all international laws and many, observers expect that before thy European Spring, Holland will be invaded by Germany in. an endeavour to get in a more" favourable position to hurl aerial attack* on'England and also to be in a better position to carry out the sea warfare, especially against England’s eastern ports. In the east- the situation bristles with possibilities. Gallant little Finland is putting up a wonderful defence against Russian aggression of the worst description; but it is inevitable that, unless help comes—and that very soon—such a small nation cannot possibly hold out against a huge country like Russia. Finland has the sympathy of practically the whole world, which has been horrified at the tactics adopted by the coward!v aggressor. The Allies are adopting a wise policy in not issuing a full description of their war aims, but in any ease this is impossible, as the situa-tion-is changing alihost daily. A day of reckoning will come, however,, to Oommunistic Russia.

All eyes are on R.iumuiia. Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany and Russia are all desiring to seize parts of this country. while 'Germany and Russia would like to seize the whole country. Germany badly wants Rumanian oil and wheat and it is highly ’ probable thatshe will attempt to seize vital parts of the country. Russia is keeping a wary eye on Germany, and will see that Germany dees not get all of the spoils. Italy has been placed in a peculiar position and! is obviously watching which way the wind blows. She is afraid of the Allies but would, if she thought conditions favourable, attempt to fulfil her ambitions-in the INI editor ranean. Italy has obviously been surprised by Germany's war aims, and with the menace of Russia in the Balkans, Mussolini is evidently in a real fix. In the end it would not be surprising to see Italy again on the side of the Allies. Britain and France are taking no chances in the East and large bodies of troops, naval and air forces are placed at strategic points in the East. Both sides are sparring for openings in the battle 1 for the' mastery of the air and the indications are that the Germans will get more than a warm reception when they attempt mass attacks on Britain and France in the early spring, as Hitler is certain to do. in a desperate attempt to bolster up bis position before the German people. That serious damage will result is inevitable, as in his present frame of mind. Hitler will stop at nothing. Britain and France will he in a position to hit hack in a way that should soon show ■ the Germans that their mueh-vauntod air fleet has met •its match, and os time goes on the Allies should rapidly gain a marked superiority in the air.