The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1940-09-23
SPANS POSITION

SPAIN . fOSi tON
Developments in North Africa
rather than plans TO attack Gibral'
tar seem the more probable reason
for discussions between Serrano
suner, Spanish minister of the in,
terror, and axis leaders. Spain S
early entrance INTO the war is not
TO be expected, but Germany and.
Italy may well desire Spanish
forces in North Africa tol restrain
any revolt against the Vichy gov
eminent by French North African
colonials.
There is news OF growing insurg'
ency among French North Africans
with Spain the point Of origin Of
the reports. The disturbances are
spreading from Moroccan to Al
gerian cities as the German air
attacks against Great Britain fail
TO show annihilating effect.
It would be disturbing to Ger
many and Italy Il a major French
colonial uprising were to occur in
North Africa. Properly organized.
such a movement could constitute
a serious threat from Algeria into
Libya, compromising the rear Of
Marshal GFszianis offensive into
Egypt. SPANS adherance TO the
Berlin-Rome axis. even in a passive
role, will give more leverage from
which TO pry the British Empire
loose from its foundations. John
Bulls strength Of resistance and
counter-attack is causing burrows
in the brows OF his enemies.
This Is a move which Hitler and
Mussolini would have preferred 10
ayoid-the admission of a third
partner 10 the anticipated profits ~
the firm; still II IS logical de-
velopment OF a very critical mo-
ment in the European war.
The axis conference was the out
growth OF two grave issues: the
inability OF Germany TO crush Eng
land quickly a. Hitler had plan
ned, and Mussolini's need OF assist
ance In his campaign TO break the
British control OF the Mediterran-
can
The solution II both these vital
problems hinges on the finding OF
some way 70 break the British con-
troll Of the seven seas and that
terrific naval blockade which is
ever tightening about the Nail
Fascist allies.
Spain enters into the picture be-
cause OF vast strategic importance
as an instrument with which to at
tack British naval domination. You
don't even have 10 glance at yolr
maps to recall that the geogra-
phicsl position OF Spain and its
Moroccan possessions just across
the marrow Strait OF Gibraltar
would make 1t the natural guardian
of the western entrance TO the
Mediterranean but for one thing
Britain's possession OF the fortress
OF Gibraltar and the naval base Up
against the big rock
Hitler and Mussolini figure that
IL they can BIAS England out ~
Gibraltar and establish their own
bases on the strait, they will have
gone far towards wrscking Bril-
fain's control and so cutting her
main imperial artery. Such an
operation, however, would involve
the cooperation Of Spain. at least
10 the extent OF granting the axis
powers the privilege OF operating
from Spanish soil.
But Spanish Generalsslmo
Franco isn't casting his lot with the
axis for nothing II his coopera-
ton is granted we have a right %
assume that there is 2 price
probably an extension Of Spain IS
African possessions and the return
of Gibraltar.
Hitler is most certainly consider.
ing further assistance for Musso.
lini in the battle OF the Mediterran-
can A vital issue is the feaSibl.
lily and usefulness OF a German
drive down through the Balkans
and on into Syria with the idea
of attacking Britain from two sides
at once.
Such move would seem 10 be a
possibility. but It Is one which
Hitler wouldn't undertake hastily.
Although hel@s eat- sllHFiHs al
vantages II also presents two grave
dangers-it would put Hitler in the
uncomfortable position OF having
10 wage war on both the western
and eastern fronts al the same
time And It very easily might
bring about a clash with Russia.
With interests OF Spain added
20 the profits Of conquest already
promised Italy and Russia. Herr
Hitler becomes more and more in
volyed In his early days OF paint
ing and paper hanging he might
have dreamed Of such momentou'
decisions. but his foundation for
Judgment was certainly limited
What a crash II will be when he
reaches the endi
--O--
Glass Is LIQUID. not a solid
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