Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-12-12
GREAT POWER AHEAD
OF LITTLE ENTENTE
May Hold Balance of Power If League
~ sssz Breaks Down = 1taly's Influence
.a aso Grows Swiftly.

inspired to greater things through
the medium of her little entente"
neighbors, who undoubtedly are ready
! to lend all assistance necessary to
her revival, short of territorial re-
turns, and in this Italy will play a
prominent part, having shown a spirit
OF forgiveness in all after-the-war
| dealings with Vienna.
Itaiy's Position Good.
Today Italy has it within her power
| to make her influence through the
whole of southeastern Europe pre-
dominant, and this eventually may
lead to sharp conflict with French
thought and French ambitions France
and England have made some head
way in practically all countries in
strengthening their interests. but
though advances were made; Italy
tente, will be better able to dictate.
or at least guide the political policies
of the members Of the little entente
than any other. With cohesive po-
,, litical power and influence Of the lit
tie entente behind her. Italy's voice
will become increasingly stronger in
the councils of the larger allies.
1t is known fact that the coun-
tries of southeastern Europe have
but little confidence in the league Of
nations. This was made evident
through their flouting of league die
of Versailles. They have done about
as they pleased. and unless the league
shows some strength. and demon
strates ability to make itself into a
going organization. capable of up
holding all dictates. there may
nations. wherein all the old Ubiquitous
methods of diplomacy and alliance
will be revived. London and Paris
are ready to admit these may prove
dangerous in the extreme.
Have Some MisxtviaEs.
The gradual solidification of inter-
ests of the smaller nations of south
eastern Europe has been watched not
without some misgivings in Europe.
for If these smaller nations can re-
main co-ordinated they may prove
balance Of power in the settlement
of European questions not to be fout-
ed. Each of these small nations feels
that it individually has been fiouted
at one time or another by the larger
members of the entente. But as
co-ordinated group. with kindred i'm
terests and similar ideals as to Eu-
ropean relationships. they will have
force. With the restoration of Rus
STA undoubtedly there will crystalline
even more extensive powers for the
little entente. for practically every
member is pro-Russian in sympa-
thies. And. as much as the contin-
gency may be houted at the moment.
ever there Is the lurking danger of
pro-German leanings in future years,
particularly should the larger Euro
pean allies continue to be less bend
ing in their treatment of smaller ma
tions. 1t must be remembered that
some thirty millions Of peoples are
embraced in the little entente, who
once were subjects of Teutonic gov
ernments. and though possibly they
were antagonistic to Teutonic forms,
nevertheless they have become inn
bued in large measure with Teutonic
viewpoints in world affairs.
What Future May Hold.
In going league of nations the
southeastern bloc of nations standing
to~e.ht- rviu ha~a i-,r,a~s" nower.
though thou subscription to leag ie
tenets they may be kept in restraint
at all times Should however. the
league prove weak, unable to control
obstreperous nations. and should its
influence fail to the point that strict.
1y nationalistfc veal will supersede
in adjustment Of world problems. then
southeastern Europe will have tre-
mendous influence and will be able
through diplomatic maneuvering to /
obtain from the larger powers such
things as are needed in their own
advancement
Though italy today may appear to
hold advantage from the viewpoint
of prestige. control of the little en-
tente undoubtedly will be strfven for
by every government in Europe. for
the. balance Of power idea will be
vital to future adjustments. and a
Ba ,kanized balance wheel will be
certainty i