Evening star., 1941-03-30
Hitler's Setback in Yugoslavia
Worth Army Corps to British
Wedge Seen Driven Into His New Order That
May Mean Collapse Unless Fuehrer
Wins Belgrade's Support
By Felix VI Morley.

| Because of this counter-revolt in Croa-
tia and Slovenia is distinct possibility,
and one which the Germans may be ex-
pected to encourage to the best of their
unquestioned ability in fomentlng
trouble.
The German counter moves now to be
expected will be aided by Yugoslavia's
economic subserviency to the axis pow
ers Long before Prince Paul made his
disruptive decision for political alliance
with Germany, an economic alliance, on
which Yugoslav prosperity has become
dependent had gradually formed. This,
undoubtedly, was one of the factors on
which the regent relied to carry his pol
icy through to success.
On the other hand YugoSlavia, above
any of the other Balkan states, is pre-
dominantly agricultural country, more
than able to feed itself and provide a
living for its people, of the primitive sort
to which they are accustomed, from It's
own resources.
Sanctions Against Italy.
The willingness of the population to
put principle above economic Weu-beng
was demonstrated when YugoSlavla
ioined in economic sanctions against
Italy. one of her best markets and
sources of supply, at the time OF the in
vasion of Ethiopia. The Serbs, in par
ticular, would not refrain from oppos-
ing Germany because that course would
hurt their pocketbooks.
Moreover Yugoslavia, like Greece, has
successfully maintained slzable foreign
trade in spite of the steady trend toward
incorporation in Germany's economic
orbit. The extent of this is indicated by
the announcement that there are now
some 100000 tons of Yugoslavia shipping
in non European harbors which would
be turned over to Great Britain if their
home ports come under German control.
A large proportion of these vessels are
now in the United States, with which
Yugoslav trade, both export and import,
is substantial.
Still another factor of Importance is
the dilemma which now confronts Ger
many with regard to military invasion
of Yugoslavia. Having denied that any
pressure of this sort was even threat
ened, it would now be doubly difficult to
apply it. And to do so might readily
transform the relative friendhness OF
Croats and Slovenes into hostility as Bit
ter as that of the Serbs.
Both political and economic considera-
tions therefore combine to make the
situation in YugoSlavia one of the most
delicate balance. And because the trem-
orous nature of this balance is recog-
nized in Berlin and London, in Moscow
and in Washington, an immediate con-
centration of effort may be expected
there
Wars Course May Be Altered.
If Yugoslavia can be fully detached
from the axis the whole character of the
war will be altered, to Germany's disad-
vantage. If that country swings toward
Berlin again, after the current detection,
the blow will be the more serious because
of the high hopes aroused by what
Winston Churchill on Thursday called
great news" Events in Yugoslavia,
that distant country of unpronounceable
names and unfamiliar problems, have
thus suddenly become of the greatest
moment to all Americans.
If Hitler gains Yugoslavia now, it will
presumably mean the end of Greek re-
sistance and the consolidation of the en-
tire continent of Europe under the new
order" But if the Fuehrer's grip there
is cast off it means wedge driven into
that new order" which may in time split
Germany's empire asunder. King Peter
of Yugoslavia, not yet 18 years of age,
has been pushed forward by events into
a position of almost supreme Importance
on the world stage.
This war hears no comparison with
any of it's predecessors. Soldiers are
safer than civilians. Propaganda plays
a larger part than bullets. Endurance is
a more important factor than courage.
So it seems wholly in order that, with
the coming of this somber spring, rela-
lively unknown country should suddenly
rise to a position of pre-eminent interest.