March 17.
Whatever may happen in the future, last week made it quite clear that Hitler was finding the task of attracting Yugoslavia into the Axis fold more than a little difficult, was confidently expected in Berlin that everything would have been straightened out last week, and that by that time Yugoslavia would have entered the Tripartite Pact, and given permission to Germany to use its territory as a channel for the German attack on Greece. It is true that Hitler proposed an alternative to actual falling into line with the other nations brought under the aegis of \the Axis, but it is reported that even here. certain of the provisions of the alternative document were viewed in Belgrade with some suspicion. Naturally the greatest fear prevalent in Yugoslavia is that that country would be deduced to the same status as those other nations which have fallen victims to Hitler's blandishments or force. The Yugo-[slavs have no use whatever for the Germans for the Italians, are a sturdy race clinging to their hard won independence, and it seems that the line which the Government is taking. in accordance with the best interests of the country is not incompatible.with popular wishes, Reuter's correspondent at Belgrade states, in a telegram published elsewhere, that all rumours of an ultimatum, or of Yugoslav capitulation to any ultimatum can be excluded. It is reported that after months of the war of nerves, it appears certain that Yugoslavia will not sign the three-power pact but will maintain the strictest neutrality, and that the maximum of concession Belgrade is prepared to make is to agree to sign a non-aggression agreement. Just what that would be worth may be estimated from ]some of the other non-aggression pacts which Hitler has signed including that infamous tone with Poland, and if he consents to enter into such an arrangement with Yugoslavia the people of that country would undoubted~ ly suspect that his tongue was in his cheek while signing, There is some suggestion emanating from enemy quarters that failure of the Yugoslavs to come into line, has been due to British pressure brought to bear upon Belgrade. It is stated that the British Government has warned Yugoslavia that should she enter the Axis fold, in the event of British being victorious, she would have to pay the penalty of being cut up into several parts, If the people in Berlin are so stupid as to [believe that Britain would seek to apply the same sort of pressure as that which Hitler has s0 often resorted they clearly fail to un= derstand Britain's position or_her methods, The last thing she waulld see to do would be to offend a nation of such sturdy charac~ teristics, and it is clear that even Hitler himself hesitates to do so. That is why Yugoslavia has not already been "Blitz-ed" into Joining the Axis. The danger of Yugoslavia defending her independence with her army of a million men of proved fighting ability. has caused Hitler to walk like the proverbial cat—clrcumspectly, and the caution he is displaying is sullcient proof of his reluctance to take any steps which might force Yugo slavia to deferd herself, which would throw her into the arms of Great Britain and, her It must be remembered at all times that Yugoslavia is the more direct route to Greece, The Bulgarian road has already been secured, but Hitler sees dangers in making use of it. That is why he has held his hand while endeavouring to persuade Yugoslavia to fall into line. Two of his chief obstacles are the Prince Regent himself, who has a knack of remembering that he was up at Oxford, and his Prime Minister, Vladimir Matehek, his "strong man," who is at heart a pugnacious democrat, Strictest neutrality upon which Rumania of German troops or supplies. will also secure that Hitler will not be able to play the man in possession which he has done so effectually in Rumania and Bulgaria, It would be premature at this time to sug gest that Hitler has mot with a reverse at Belgrade though it is apparent that he is not getting all he wanted with the ease he obtained it elsewhere, while it he goes too far there is a grave danger that the Yugostavs may decide {o resist force with force in which event a situation much to his dislike may be created,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.