DROUGHT IN EUROPE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 June 1938, Page 9

DROUGHT IN EUROPE

WEATHER MAY PRESERVE PEACE. A SHORTAGE OF GRAIN. “You cannot start a war with breadcards," was the warning issued by a German general, and for this reason the drought in Europe may preserve peace for another year. The position is desperate in Italy, where it is mostly too late to save the crops, and is most serious in France, Belgium, and Western Germany. Central and Eastern Germany, the Danubian and Balkan countries have had good rains which now promise to become general in England and Germany, and may help France. Grain sown in the spring has not sprouted, and wheat planted in the autumn is miserable and stunted over wide areas. Drought, east winds, and frosts conspired to prevent the growth, but rain may now help autumn-sown crops. The pinch from the crop failure is expected to be felt next winter. By the end of the year Italy and possibly Germany, France and Belgium, may have to import large quantities of grain. A disquieting feature is that drought may intensify the German drive down the Danube, increasing her desire to control the wheat exports of. Hungary and Rumania, where, it is hoped, there may be some surplus which Germany may secure without the cash payments needed to obtain overseas supplies. The latest German payments to Greece included a consignment of spectroscopes which the Greeks have not yet unpacked. Greece is anxious to sell to Britain more currants, raisins, olive oil, and oranges. Foi' political reasons Britain and France are anxious to increase trade with the Balkans and Danubian States, but Britain’s commitments in the Dominions and elsewhere render it difficult to take much more from these regions.