The Waikato Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1940 HITLER SEEKING HELP

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21230, 28 September 1940, Page 8

The Waikato Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1940 HITLER SEEKING HELP

Signs that the war has reached another distinct phase are plentiful in the streams of intelligence cabled from many parts of the world. They may be interpreted to mean that Hitler has discovered that Britain is stronger than he thought, and he is now seeking to extend the area of the conflict and recruit fresh strength to his side. Particularly is he attempting to court the favour of Spain and Japan, and if possible to enrage France against Britain. The United States is being made painfully aware of the new danger and her apprehension is being expressed in the imposition of further embargoes on the export of materials that might be useful to possible enemies, and in ever-increasing consultations with Britain regarding the construction of outer defence bases. The condition of almost stalemate, from Germany’s point of view, in the war across the Channel has been a serious blow to Hitler, who had hoped long since to be master of Britain. He has been thwarted and can see the danger of his own. position. Hence a series of conferences among the Axis Powers and Spain, and between Germany and Japan. For some reason not explained, Germany’s other “ ally,” Russia, has apparently not been taking a noticeable part in the discussions. German and Italian propaganda has been trying to persuade the world that Spain’s entry into the war is imminent, and now Germany and Italy have signed an agreement with Japan, presumably to offset the possible intervention of America. What are Germany’s chances of enlisting further aid ? Spain is obviously reluctant to plunge again into the terrors of war after her recent emergence from a terrible and exhausting experience. Even if it desired to assist Germany’s cause the Spanish Government is well aware that serious internal trouble would arise if war were declared. Even now a considerable portion of Spanish territory is barely under the control of the new Government. To attempt to lead those people into a war to aid a hated enemy, whose intervention in Spain will not be readily forgotten, would be to court internal disaster. No doubt Hitler will attempt to dazzle General Franco with offers of rich prizes at the expense of the Allies, and would not hesitate to threaten him if he fails to respond. German collaboration with Japan is a still more difficult matter. Japan could assist only by extending her own sphere of influence in the Far East, and she has no wish to collide with the interests of the United States or Russia in doing so. Besides, Japan still has that very troublesome “ China incident ” on her hands and would be unwilling to venture very far afield until a solution of that problem has been found. Russia remains an unknown quantity. Stalin is still glowering over the northern scene in significant silence. That silence makes his neighbours nervous and circumspect. Out of this medley of uncertainty, will Hitler extract another friend to help him out of his difficulty ? The mere fact that he obviously needs help is cheering to Britons.