ATTITUDE OF HUNGARY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20914, 20 September 1939, Page 8

ATTITUDE OF HUNGARY

RUSSIANS ON BORDER “GLORIOUS RED ARMY” (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK. Sept. 19 Ironically, the Hungarians, whose hatred of Dr. Benes, former Premier of Czecho-Slovakia, was based on the allegation that the pact between Russia and Czecho-Slovakia had brought Russia back into Central Europe, now have Russian troops along their frontier, states the Moscow correspondent of the New York Times. However, unless Russia co-operates, Germany will again be barred from the Rumanian oil wells, except by' way of Hungary. The correspondent adds that the first feeling of the Russian people toward the latest developments was one of shocked bewilderment. This was quickly replaced by satisfaction and some jingoism over the prowess of the “glorious Red Army.” The intelligentsia are pleased that the Soviet has "resumed its proper task of liberating the oppressed.” A Controlled State It is not expected that the Soviet system will be established in the newly-obtained territory, but rather that it will become a controlled State, similar to Outer Mongolia. There wili at present be no attempt at socialisation. Authoritative British opinion, says the correspondent, does not believe that the latest Russian move was planned at the time of the signature of the Russo-German pact. On the contrary, it is believed to emphasise mutual distrust between Russia and Germany. It is believed that Herr von Ribbentrop promised that the Germans would not approach nearer than a line running through Brest-Litovsk, and that when the 'Soviet saw the Germans approaching the line it was decided to act. It notified Germany, which put the best face on the matter and pretended to give approval to the move. Positions Not Improved From a military point of view the Russians have not improved their position vis a vis Germany. Fortification of the new line in a way similar to the old frontiers will take time, but politically the Russians have gained considerably. Apart from the fact that the Germans have been prevented from approaching the border and seizing the Ukraine, the invasion has given Russia easy access to Europe.