The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-07-23
An Expert
Appraises
The War
BY J. w. T. MASON
United Press War Expert

and German domination of the
Baltic has made serious Roadway,
of grave concern to Hitler, through
the decision OF Lithuania, Latvia
and Estonia to accept annexation
by Russia. Germany has destroyed
the pre-war southern encirclement
of the Reich which France directed
through the Little Entente, but
an eastern enlightenment has now
been completed by Russia.
The new Baltic annexations join
Russia's grab OF Polish territory
which in turn reaches to the
boundaries of Bessarabia and Blu
kovina, now a part of the Soviet
Union. The western boundary of
Russia now lies directly against
German territory from the Baltic
to Czechoslovakia, forming a COM
munistic menace which Hitler
considered one of Germany's grav-
est dangers until the present war
compelled him to agree to a tenn
porary entente with Stain.
Absolute Control
BY joining the Soviet Union Of
Republics, Lithuania. Latvia and
Estonis have given Stain absolute
control of the eastern Baltic which
Nazi diplomacy would have re-
garded as cause for war prior
TO September of last year. These
three little countries now have
become bases for expansion of
Communist propaganda in Ger
many in the event of the final
outcome Of the war leading to
German revolution.
Russia is now reported to be
bringing pressure on Rumania to
adopt a Soviet form of govern
ment, in opposition to the imita-
ton of Nazi rule which Rumania
is organizing. The Rumanian gov
eminent will not be able to re-
ject this proposal out of hand
because acceptance would give
Rumania the support of Russia
against plans of Hungary to seize
Pennsylvania, and Bulgaria to an
mex Dobruja.
May Backfire
The Rumanians are reaching a
stage where they will have to |
decide whether to continue to be |
a n t : communist and eventually
lose Pennsylvania and Dobruja.
or to accept communism and gain
Stains help to keep these two
provinces. This newly developing
complication in southeastern Eu-
rope is especially disquieting to
Mussolini, who believes any sd-
vance of communism through the
Balkans spells danger to Italy.
At the same time Stains pres
ent ambitions are heading him
toward a critical situation II Ger
many and italy should win the
present war. Victorious Germany
and Italy would certainly not rest
content to see Communist menaces
in eastern Europe and the Balkans
increase in power. Russia would
have to be put in her place even
at the cost of new war.
Change Hoped For
There Is no doubt Stain knows
this fact very well. He must know
also that his army would stand
no chance against the German
forces in their present condition
of high efficiency. That can only
mean he would not relish a Ger
man and Italian victory.
II, however, Germany were
partly to exhaust herself by try
ing to invade Great Britain and
il the attack were to fail, every
consideration of prudence would
counsel Stain TO deliver the final
blow to prevent German postwar
domination. Thus, the war may
suddenly change its complexion
within the next few months. Such
considerations as these have much
bearing on Germanys present
peace drive and. likewise, on
Britain's determination to accept
no peace at Hitler's price.