EYES ON THE UKRAINE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 March 1939, Page 3

EYES ON THE UKRAINE

DIFFICULTIES FOR POLAND. Since the Munich agreement, states the "Spectator,” Central Europe has, as many then foretold, entered a period of flux; and it is difficult to place any confidence in the stability of its existing frontiers. Poland is immediately affected by such possibilities; and’ Polish public opinion showed some anxiety on the occasion of Colonel Beck's visit to Herr Hitler. Any of the questions, of Danzig, Memel, minorities, the Ukraine, said to have been discussed contains serious difficulties for Poland. Yet despite so many sources of contention the conversations were officially reported to have shown that no obstacle existed to the continuance of Polish-German friendship. The strongest reason for doubting the report is Germany's plan for creating a Greater Ukaine, which cannot be achieved without destroying the integrity of Poland. It is believed, however, that Herr Hitler has not yet decided in what order to pursue his objectives, and that for the moment he may be content with supporting Italian claims against France. He is intent, however, on limiting still further France’s interests in Central Europe, and in breaking the Franco-Polish alliance. Hence, no doubt, the marks of friendship with which Colonel Beck was received by Herr Hitler, and the arrangements made for a visit by Herr von Ribbentrop to Warsaw. It is doubtful, however, whether Colonel Beck was wholly reassured. There is no abatement of Ukrainian agitation in Ruthenia, the nucleus, created by Munich, of the future Greater Ukraine.. It is probable that Herr Hitler, said to be on the eve of “great decisions,” has not yet decided on his next step and is searching for the weak point which offers least resistance to a further advance. The Ukrainian plan is reported to be inspired by his belief in the internal disintegration of the, Soviet Union. If this view of his policy is correct, it should be easy for the Western Powers to draw the conclusion that at the piesent moment wisdom for them consists in being demonstratively strong, both in their defences and in tlfeir internal unity. __ _