The Waikato Times TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1941 BALKAN DRAMA DEVELOPS

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21361, 4 March 1941, Page 4

The Waikato Times TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1941 BALKAN DRAMA DEVELOPS

In essentials, the open occupation of Bulgaria by the Germans has not materially altered the Allies’ conception of the Balkan position. Occupation has been expected for many weeks, and its strategical consequences have therefore not come as a surprise. Bulgaria’s adherence to the Axis pact is only a concrete expression of pro-German-ism that has been evident for months. The decision to take shelter under the German banner is not unanimous by any means, and Bulgaria is now heading for a period of trouble and suffering that has been the fate of the other German victims. Germany is not satisfied with the formal treaty; occupation is considered essential, for obvious reasons.

From Bulgaria chief interest now passes on to Turkey and Yugoslavia. Upon those two countries and Britain largely depends the fate of Greece. Turkey has reaffirmed her fidelity to the alliance with Britain and apparently regards Greece as an area of vital interest, an attack upon which would be regarded as sufficient reason for Turkey to take up arms. Of Yugoslavia’s position there is little definite knowledge. Strategically the country is very important to both the Allies and the Axis. Yugoslavia is painfully aware of her delicate position and so far has admirably maintained her neutrality. Her desire is undoubtedly to remain free from the conflict, but whether she can succeed remains to be seen. Germany is certain soon to begin to apply the pressure.

Having gained access to Bulgaria, Germany can be expected soon to disclose her next step. But for the imminent peril of Italy she might be inclined to rest on her laurels for a time before taking the next fateful initiative. But Italy must receive assistance promptly or she might collapse. Therefore Germany will probably be compelled to press on. Yugoslavia now forms a wedge of neutral territory thrusting far into the realms of German and Italian influence, and it is probably Yugoslavia that will receive attention next. So far Germany has been able to make progress without incurring the penalty of war on another front, and that success is perhaps a pointer to the tactics that will again be employed.

The frontiers of Greece and Turkey, while Yugoslavia remains neutral, are now the main bastions of the Allied struggle against the hordes of Germany and her supporters. Greece is gallantly playing her part in the defence of that line, and all free countries are hoping that Turkey will be just as firm in the defence of freedom. Mr Eden’s talks with the Turkish leaders have evidently been highly satisfactory. For the first time Germany’s army of occupation in Bulgaria will face the Turkish frontier. Germany has her eyes on the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, and it is inconceivable that Turkey would dream of yielding those vital waterways. Will Germany dare to force a war on that frontier so far away from home ?