Evening star., 1939-09-14
Three Main Threats
To Peace Seen
In Polish Situation
Russiu's Desire for
Bessurubiu Is Chief
Danger Point
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
BUDAPEST, Sept. 14.-Neutral
nations in Southeastern Europe
watched Italy, Soviet Russia and
Germany today for any move which
might draw them into the war now
raging at the Balkans front door.
Many government leaders feel that
continuation of Southeastern Eu-
ropes aloofness in the conflict and
peace among the Balkan states de-
pend on what courses are. pursued
within the next few weeks by the
three powers.
Political figures pointed out that
any attempt of Russia to take Ru-
mania Bessarabia or Polish Galicia,
a German threat to use Hungarian
railroads for troop movements
against Southeastern Poland or war
like gestures by Italy would be
enough to ignite war flames in this
corner of Europe.
Hungary in Precarious Spot.
Hungary, with German troops
along her northern border and the
Polish war just $50 miles from her
capital. appeared in the most pre-
carious position.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Count
Stefan Csakys most recent trip to
Berlin was quickly followed by
Premier Count Paul Teleky's speech
stressing again Hungary's determi-
nation to stay neutral.
Count Teleky told members of his
government party yesterday that
Germany and warning nations in
general consider it to their interests
to have peace and quiet productive
work in the Danube Basin"
All Watch Germany.
But all the southeastern countries
are watching Germany for indica-
tions of what she might do to make
certain this quiet productive work"
is carried on for her benefit-that
supplies from this area will be
shipped her and not to the allies.
Britain and France have been
sending buyers into the little Danube
nations with offers in gold for their
products. Some circles reported
many of these offers have been
accepted.
First indication of NaZi reaction
was a public protest from Berlin yes
terday in which Britain was charged
with interfering with the economic
neutrality" of small nations.
This was followed by an announce
ment from Rumania that Dr. Claud-
ius, chief of the German finance
ministry's economic department, was
going to Rumania Friday to discuss
exports to the Reich, chiefly oil, and
a payment plan, now that war makes
barter difficult.
Significantly, this flying trip to
Bucharest follows closely upon the
announcement that Rumania has
accepted large orders from Britain,
France and Holland.
Greatest Threat to Neutrality.
Observers said perhaps the great
est threat to Balkan neutrality is the
possibility Germany may use pres
sure" to corner the oil, grain, metals
and other products of what she calls
her 'Lebensraum"-living space.
Rumanians are watching closely
every Russian move. They are
working feverishly to intensity their
Notifications on the Soviet border in
view of Russia's troop movements on
the other side of the line.
Reports - wholly unconfirmed -
that Russia has a secret agreement
with Germany whereby the Soviet
would be given a free hand to take
Bessarabia from Rumania have
caused Great Britain alarm in Buch-
Arrest and spurred war preparations.
Italy Withdraws Troops.
On the peaceful side. news from
Albania indicating Italy has been
withdrawing troops from her recent
ly acquired territory has eased
tension.
Greece and Turkey, observers
point out, are especially interested
in Italy's remaining out of the war
because of the feeling in diplomatic
circles that growing Italian infu-
ence in the Mediterranean already
threatens their positions.
Dispatches from Istanbul quoted
government quarters as saying Tur-
key would remain neutral if Italy
did. Similar expressions have come
from Athens. Nicholas Mavroudis,
head of the Greek foreign office, is
in Rome to discuss Greek-Italian
relations.