June 16.
The puzzle of German-Soviet relations still continues to occupy the most attention at the moment, and the various explanations which are being advanced for the assembly fof many divisions of the German army in Moldavia are as diverse as they are inter~ testing. Ankara seems to be the most frultful source of speculation, which is only natural "seeing the possible effect upon Turkey's situation of some of the suggest ed developments. It is reported that the majority of well-informed quarters Turkey are convinced that the massing of German troops threatening the Russian frontier from the Baltic to the Black Sea is something in the nature of a bluff de~ signed to give Germany the advantage in negotiations which are said to be pending. On. the other hand Goering's statement that Germany needs the Ukraine for a prolonged war against the British is recalled, while Hitler's declaration that Germany would be swimming in plenty if she secur~ ed control of the Ukraine is also xemem~ ered, Tt is rumoured that Germany plans a condominium with Russia over the Ukraine and participation in Russian industry, 'A third section of opinion takes the view that the Soviet-German troop concentrations are a prelude to a far-reaching political and military agreement, in which the two coun-twies may stage a' formal and ceremonious establishment of the European "new order. Yet another section takes the view that Germany is preparing to restore Bessarabia' to Rumania who only ceded it to Russia under German pressure last year. And amidst these rumours there is lute left but to pay one's money and make one's choice, Of them all there is not one which is ime probable, The reported intention of the Germans to demand of Russia permission to transport forees to Batum for the pur= pose of invading Tran and Iraq dnd thus come "out on the British flanic in the Middte East has already been dealt.with., That too should not be lost sight of, Tt is by no means improbable and well in keep= ing with Hitler's declared intentions.
But the suggestion that Germany is secking a condominium with the Soviet over the Ukraine, and participation in Russian industry, neither of which are particularly palatable to M, Stalin, is probably the most Significant, Tt is. well known that) the British blockade of Germany is having its effect. Tt is further admitted by Goering that the supplies of foodstuffs obtainable in the Ukraine are necessary if Germany has fo Aght a long war, while the suggestion of German participation in Russian industry suggests further realization of the vulner~ ability of German factories from the air, and the necessity of extending their operations further afield to a country where they would not be so lable to attack, Tf this ig what Hitler has in, mind, he' will un= doubtedly seek to attain his'ends by per~ suasion, but the extent of his desperation Will be safely guaged if it is found that he {is in the end forced to resort to arms to get what he wants, Europe is being plunder td of food, and the countries which Germany has overrun are ceasing to be assets and becoming very grave liabilities.
Tt may, of course, very well be that Hitler contemplating something foul against Turkey. The Berlin correspondent of a Turkish news agency has cabled to Ankara that Turkey has nothing to fear from the Axis, Tt ig stated that 'Turkey is relieved to know that Germany bears her no silwilt and approves of Turkish policy. But, naturally, it asks why itis necessary for Germany' so often to declare her feelings, It is interesting and important to note that the Government at Ankara Is not permitting itself to be lulled into a. false sense of security, but that Turkish defence preparations are continuing. 'That is indeed a wise precaution for Hiller may still be en-@eavouring to gain his ends by fraud, though the possibility of his using force' cannot now be disregarded. Tt may be that the next few days will bring forth startling new developments, but, if they show that Hitler after food and greater safely for his war industries, it will not be at all. surprising in the circumstances.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.