Situation Improved Now that Germany has secured Memel, and Rumania has signed a trade agreement with the Reich, probably giving the larier more than th Rumanian Government originally designed, change for the better is to be noticed in the European situation, How long it will last remains to be seen, and while there is the Possibility that Signor Mussolini may upset things in the course of his speech on March 19, observers believe that if he does enunciate his @emands on France at all he will do so with such moderation as not. to commit himself to fany position from which he might find it impossible to withdraw without loss of prestige. For some time it has been apparent, tha Jconnection with some of the demands he expected (o make, it should be possible for France and Italy to effect a compromise by which the major portion of Italy's requirements, [may be met. Those definitely do not include any territorial concession, for upon this. point. the position of the French Government has been made quite clear. It will refuse to meet any such demands. The efforts of Great Britain 0 Secure a Four Power anti-aggression pact is Feported for the moment to be hanging fire, [chiefly because it has ceased to be a matter of urgency. Nevertheless it is significant to note that Poland, while possessing every sympathy with the democracies is reluctant to align herself definitely with them, obviously for fear of becoming embroiled with Germany. As it has already been pointed out unless Great Britain, France and Soviet Russia have something more Gefinite than a mere pledge to consult. together in the event of aggression to offer to the smalle= [states they are not very Wkely to accept the invitations to join in the movement. That applies with equal force in the Balkans, for the Smaller countries will undoubtedly argue that the sponsors of the Pact have very little to offer unless it Is a complete commitment to mutual defence in the event of any adherent being attacked. The removal of the factor of urgency will undoubtedly slow down the conversations in this respect between Britain, France and Russia though the conclusion cannot be escaped that some such understanding will stil be necessary if a greater degree of stability to be imported Into the situation than at present exists.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.