The Washington times., 1936-02-20
ANTI-RED PACT
BELIEVED AIM
OF GERMANY
Hitler Sounds Rome on
Four-Power Block to
Face France, Soviet
BY LINDSAY PARROTT
Copyright, 1885, By International
News service)


ROME, Feb. 20 G.N.S0.-Im-
pending ratification of the
Franco-Soviet mutual aid pact to-
day appeared to be driving Cen
trail and Eastern Europe into q
concerted bloc against the spectre
Of bolshevism.
Amid evidence that Poland Is
being brought into foreshadowed
lineup Of Italy, Germany and
Austria, diplomatic circles here
pointed out that formation OF
such a bloc-Germany, Italy and
Poland, joined by Russia-would
present a solid front against Red
influences In Middle Europe.
Italy fears bolsheviSm may
spread through Central Europe
as a result of the Franco-Soviet
alliance, and all indications were
that Premier Mussolini and Chan
cellor Hitler are moving swiftly
to meet this threat.
"Feelers" to Italy
Possibility of formation of an
anti-Red bloc, which might turn
Europe's entire political system
upside down, became evident as
Germany sounded out the willing
ness Of Italy and Austria to form
the center of q general Eastern
European nonaggreSsion pact as
a counterblaSt against the Franco
Soviet alliance.
Germany regards the Franco
Soviet pact, now awaiting ratifi-
cation in Paris, as a dagger
pointed straight at the heart Of
the Reich, and the Reich's cur
rent and widely y-heralded flirta-
ton with Poland indicated strong
ly that the latter nation was play.
ing an important role in Europe's
newest diplomatic drama.
This impression was heightene
by the fact that MusSolini yeSter
day gave a reception to the Polish
ambassador, and that German
Ambassador Christian Won HaSSeu
who was present at the reception
Immediately hurried back to Ber'
lin.
GOering in Poland
Added evidence was the pres
ence of German Air Minister Goer.
ing in Poland for a hunting party
at which he will have an oppor.
tunity to talk with Polish states
men. !
It was also pointed out that
italy and Germany might look
with favor on a middle European
bloc as a counter-foil to League OF
Nations hostility towards MusSo
lini's Ethiopian campaign and as
a means of breaking down the
Iron ring" encircling Germany
which would be riveted even tight
er than at present by the Franco
Russian agreement.
Recent Quiet ParIeys
Desire of the Reich to sound
out Italian and Austrian opinion
forms the background Of quiet
conversations which have been
held during the past few days
among Fulvio Suvich Of the 1tal-
ian foreign office, Christian Won
Hassell, German ambassador to
Rome, and Egon Berger-Walde-
negg. Austrian foreign minister.
These talks were climaXed
when Suvich visited Florence for
a talk with the Austrian repreSen-
tative, according to well-informed
circles here.
Chancellor Hitler's proposal for
an eastern European pact-virtual-
ly disregarded when first made 18
months ago-now might find sup
port from Italy, ostraciZed by
France and League Of Nations
powers because Of the Ethiopian
campaign.
RED" Spread Feared
Italy might also favor the pact
because she is fearful Of the
spread of Bolshevist influence
among Danubian nations. 1t was
indicated here.
Announcement that Berger
Waldenegg and Suvich reaffirmed
at Florence the Austro- Italian &C
cord Of March, 1884. was taken to
mean that Austria has been will
ing to act as an intermediary be-
tween Germany and Italy, pos
sibly in exchange for German
pledges of non.interference within
AuStria'S. borders.