From one isolated report 2 regular spate of despatches are flowing out ai the Balkans regarding the movements of German troops, and while in some of the European capitals itis stated that the reports need confirmation, they are so probable that they cannot at this juncture be disroarded. Everything seems fit together so well. Tt will be remember ed that a fow days ago it was reported that Moly had discontinued approximately 100 passenger trains daily, including a dozen Which formerly went through the Brenner Pass. Today in another column there is a report that three divisions of German troops entered Italy through the Pass on Sunday and Monday. Simultaneously with that information comes further details of the movement of German troops into Rumania. Coning these developments with what occurred diplomatically last October there is reason to believe that Hitler is now preparing for his drive towards the cast. According to neutral correspondents in that month, when Ribbentrop asked Moscow to receive a German trade mission to overhaul Russo-German trade relations, the question was asked as to whether Russia would be prepared to turn the blind eye towards developments in southeastern Europe in ree turn for spheres of influence.
The proposals, it is reported wore five in number:—(1) Russia would receive a base in the Dardanelles; (2) Turkey in Asia would be a Russian sphere of influence; (3) ran and Afghanistan would also be reserved as a Russian preserve: (4) Russia could carve a bit more off Finland without Germany protesting and (3) Germany would undertake mediation between Russia and Japan. Tt Stalin ever made any reply its nature has not yet been made public. Hitler was not, in fact offering Moscow much. Yet the key'to his new world order in southeast Europe is undoubtedly Istanbul, The Italian attack on Greece was mistimed according 10 Hitler's programme, but that it was to be
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