ITALY’S ANXIETY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20922, 29 September 1939, Page 5

ITALY’S ANXIETY

INFLUENCE OF RUSSIA GUARANTEE OF NEUTRALITY RUMOURS OF A PACT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 28 Italy is anxiously watching the conversations in Moscow, as the immediate fate of the Balkans is involved, says the Rome correspondent of the New York Times. Already Russia, much to Italy’s dismay and alarm, has become a powerful influence in the Balkans. There are even rumours that Rome and Moscow are negotiating for a pact to guarantee the neutrality of the Balkans and the whole of the Eastern Mediterranean. That is a consummation which Italy devoutly wishes, but it is doubted whether Russia would agree. It is hard to imagine the Soviet working hand in glove with Germany, and then turning round and make another agreement aimed at barring Germany from intervention in the Balkans. The conviction is growing that any effort to separate Berlin and Moscow at the present stage is doomed to failure. Desire for Understanding That Italy should want to reach an understanding with Russia on the Balkan question is quite plausible. Her relations with Moscow have been friendly for years. Even the Spanish war did not disturb them seriously behind the scenes, but the problem now is whether there is room for Italy and Russia in the Balkans, and, if so, how the spheres of influence could be divided. Until the Russian invasion of Poland, Italy supposed that the whole of the South Balkan Peninsula was her sphere. Great possibilities were opened up of a diversion of Balkan trade from Germany to Italy —the same trade that the Germans took away from the Italians during the Abyssinian War—and more besides. Now Russia wants a share, and it may well be the lion’s share, particularly should it prove that part of her bargain with Germany was a free hand in the Balkans.