The Waikato Times MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 1940 ITALY’S PROVOCATION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21195, 19 August 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 1940 ITALY’S PROVOCATION

Italy’s deliberate provocation ol Greece perhaps suggests that Mussolini is confident of the ability of the two totalitarian States to smash their way to victory. He must be aware that an attack upon Greece is likely to have serious repercussions throughout the Balkans, and yet he is deliberately looking for trouble. The attacks on Greek ships are too obviously the work of Italians to be laid at the door of the British Navy. Greece has every reason for violent resentment. These latest attacks are only the culmination of a long series of violations of the neutrality of Greek shipping which has been responsible for heavy loss of life and economic damage. The Italians are attempting to terrify Greece out of its association with Britain and at the same time make such territorial gains as are possible. It becomes more evident every day that Italy’s share of the spoils of the present war, by arrangement with Germany, is to come from the Balkans. Where else can Italy secure adequate compensation for the risk she has taken ? Germany does not want Italy in western Europe and so she must forage for herself in the Middle East. Probably she concludes that the more territory she can grab before peace is made the greater will her permanent empire be. Mussolini is probably congratulating himself on his prescience in consolidating himself in Albania some time ago and thus providing himself with a base for operations against his intended victims.

But the situation may not develop as he wishes. Greece alone would not deter him, but the attitude of Greece will probably depend on Turkey’s reaction to the threat. Turkey is not at all likely to contemplate Italy as a neighbour with any degree of satisfaction. Turkey has already issued a warning that cannot be disregarded, and it remains to be seen whether Italy will be prepared to force the issue against Greece if it means bringing Turkey into the conflict. Bulgaria is expected to join the Italians and is already massing troops on the Rumanian border in the hope of taking advantage of an upheaval to seize South Dobrudja. The whole Balkan situation is therefore explosive. Italy clearly wants trouble, and will probably find it. Britain’s guarantee to Greece comes into the limelight again. Italy may say that Britain is already using its fleet to the utmost in the Mediterranean, but an Italian attack upon Greece would certainly expose the invaders, to a greater extent to British attack. Greece is important strategically to the great Powers, and possession of her coastline and the numerous islands which guard it would mean a great deal to Italy, if possession could be obtained without dragging Turkey and others into the argument. So Greece is being intimidated with the hope that she will go over to Italy’s side without the necessity of war. But Greece is thoroughly anti-Italian and is aware of the backing of Turkey and of the British Navy. While the battle for Britain rages world-wide interest will also be focussed on Italy and the Balkan Peninsula.