SAVAGE AGGRESSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1939, Page 5

SAVAGE AGGRESSION

FRENCH OPINION HORRIFIED PINCERS ROUND YUGOSLAVIA. THREAT TO OTHER BALKAN STATES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON. April 9. “The Times” correspondent in Paris says that the savage Italian aggression has horrified French opinion. Not the slightest doubt is felt that the operation was planned between Italy and Germany as the first step in an arrangement whereby Germany may dominate East Europe, the Black Sea, and Finland, while Italy may dominate Yugoslavia, Albania, and Greece, with the neutralisation of the Dardanelles 'as a by-product. French official circles are of the opinion that Italy's action in Albania will stir up the Mohammedan world and that repercussions unfavourable to Italy are likely to be felt in Africa. . Most, sections of the French Press see the conquest as part of a concerted axis plan aimed to put pincers round Yugoslavia and also to brandish a stick in the faces of the lesser Powers, possibly contemplating joining the anti-aggression line-up. SWISS CONDEMNATION MOVE TO CONTROL STRAIT OF OTRANTO. IMPORTANCE IN EVENT OF WAR. BERNE, April 9. The Swiss Press unanimously condemns the invasion. Some express the opinion it is aimed primarily at the strategic control of the Strait of Otranto, which is most important in the event of war in the Mediterranean. The Press also says that Genera] Franco, by signing the anti-Comintern pact, assures Italy of the use of Spanish ports. YUGOSLAVIA’S stand NOT TAKING PRECAUTIONARY , MEASURES. KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH ROME. BELGRADE, April 9. The newspaper “Politika” publishes an officially inspired denial that Yugoslavia is takiiig precautionary measures as a result of the Italian invasion. “Yugoslavia ’is constantly in touch with Rome,” says the statement. “Italy has shown her readiness to safeguard our interests and gave an assurance that all measures taken against Albania were of a provisional character and that a normal situation would be restored as soon as Italy obtains satisfaction and her interests are safeguarded.” MUSSOLINI’S THANKS. ATTITUDE DURING CRISIS. ROME, April 9. Signor Mussolini has thanked the Yuogslavian Government for its attitude during the Albanian crisis. MOROCCO INDIGNANT GREAT GULF SEPARATES ISLAM FROM ITALY. CASABLANCA, April 9. It is reported that meetings held throughout Morocco expressed the greatest indignation at Italy’s attack on the Albanian Moslems and stated that a great gulf separates Islam from Italy. DUTCH PRECAUTIONS MANNING OF THE FRONTIERS. LONDON. April 9. The Hague correspondent of “The Times” says that in order to reassure alarm arising from the manning of the frontiers, a Government communique states that the situation should not give rise to serious concern at present.