The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-05-07
The New MitteI- Europa

In the days Of the old Pan-German scare before
the war, one Of the great bogies was the so-caled
Mttel-Europa plan Of certain German writer's The
notion was a complete control Of the road from
Berlin to Bagdad. Germany would dominate Austria
Hungary Bulgaria Turkey. and the route to the east,
Such was the scheme described by FREDERICK Neu-
mann and others.
This was represented as great menace to the
peace and security of the world, though Germany
was observed jealousy and checkmated by Russia
and Great Britain. very faint revival OF portion
Of this scheme in the German-Austrian customs
union recently was blocked by a strictly political
vote Of the world court.
It u.s. therefore, very interesting to a new
Mitel- Europa enterprise arising under the aegs Of
France and Mr.. Tardeu-the proposed Danubian
union of Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovada, Yugo-
slavia and Rumania.
France has thrown an iron ring Of foes about
Germany with the sole exception Of the corridor
down the Danube where German influence has been
strong. With this blocked off, Germany would be
stranded short of union with Italy alliance with
Russia which might crush Poland between them.
France holds Syria under mandate. The Danubian
union would give her control Of much Of the area
leading to the east.
The proposal is that for the time being these
five Danubian states should form a preliminary
economic union There would be provision for re-
duced duties on goods exchanged between these
states Such a preferential tariff scheme would be
installed
Ultimately, it might develop into a real customs
union So far as possible these states would provide
a mutual market for one anothers goods.
French dominion would be insured chiefly through
financial backing of the union These five states
are in a bad financial condition. some on the brink
Of bankruptcy France with her vast stores Of gold,
readily play the financial big brother to these
states and get them securely in her grip thereby.
The bonds of financial obligations right now are
stronger than those of history tradition, or race.
French dominion over these states, in conjunction
with her influence over Poland and Belgium would
make France quite the most powerful state in the
world with the possible exception of the United States
Nothing could check her in the old world, save
a union of Germany Italy Great Britain and Russia
This is highly unlikely The British empire is being
organized as a white international to oppose Russia
The main hope is that the union may be opposed
successfully Great Britain already is alarmed
the lop-sidcd French hegemony in Europe. This runs
counter the balance Of power which has been basic
in British policy on the European continent since the
days Of Cardinal Wolsey.
She is not likely to be enthusiastic over this poten
tia further extension of French preponderance which
would threaten not only Britain in Europe, but also
the British imperial possessions in the east.
Further, while Germany can make no great loans
to these countries, she will continue to be a main
market the products Of these states most of which
are primarily agricultural. They must sell wheat
and barley as well as contract loans. This would in
part counteract complete French economic control in
case the plan goes through
Anything which will help rehabiltate the Dan
uban states and topple the idiotic tariff walls about
them is to be praised But it will be too high price
to pay if it must be purchased through plan which
will hold Europe in subservence to static and OPP
pressive political and economic system for an in
definite period.
If the German Mittel-Europa program was
danger before 1914 the French AttelEuropa project
of today is international menace thrice COM
pounded.