The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-03-20

RUSSIAN INFLUENCE

RUSSIAN INFLUENCE
There is reason to believe thai
Russian Influences are acting with
other considerations TO strengthen
Jugoslayia's resistance against
German insistence that the Bel
grade government join in the triple
alliance. II the Germans received
some form of checkmate in Jugo-
slavia. Stain will be registering a
heavy gain.
Especially will Russia benefit If
the JHgeslsXS- finally refuse 10 al
low German troops TO move into
their country for action against
Greece. Stain rebuked Bulgaria
Tor permitting the entrance OF Nazi
divisions and whatever results in
a counter effect TO that threat 10
Russian influences must be vel
coined in Moscow.
Since Russia can HI afford to
have a formal break with the
Germans until the Fuehrer's forces
are more weakened than now. it
is probable that Stain has found
ways TO disguise his advice 10 Bel
grade Nevertheless. there can be
no doubt in the minds Of Jugoslav-
e ian leaders concerning Russia $
real position.
Thus, ii would seem that Russia
is now quietly working in indirect
Ill D. -,
rather than in support OF Germany
The entering wedge is there. not
because Stain has any special
fondness for the British but be-
cause Russia's own fundamental
interests require that the Ger
mans be checked in southeastern
Europe That is the most potent
OF all influences.
The principal power. in Jugo-
slayia is welded by the Serbs who
have long been the leaders of Pan.
Slavism in the Balkans. II was
Russia's support OF Serbia against
Austra-Hungary that was the i'm
mediate cause of the last World
War.
The Russians have always had a
paternal interest in the welfare OF
the Serbs. and despite differences
in recent years between Russia and
JugosIayia, the racial influence
persists. At this critical time in
Jugoslayias history. Russia's Sc
Cret support strengthens the 20
sition Of the anti-German party
at Belgrade.
Nevertheless, Jugoslavia is in
q quandry OF much complexity. The
BetgTdue statesmen can have no
absolute certainty about the way
the European war will end. They
wish to guard the future Of their
own country and do not want TO
take action now that would ally
them as an active or potential bel
Hgerent against either side. D.
II they weSc 10 make tho wrong
choice. they might find Jugoslay.
IA partitioned at the conclusion Of
the war Powerful groups within
Jugoslayia want TO see Great Brit
ain win the war. Indeed, there are
few who would receive German
victory with enthusiasm though
some are influenced in their pre-
oictions by the strength Of the
German war machine.
Especially, the Jugosiavs wish
Italy to be weakened by the war
The Italians are the chief rivals g
the Jugoslays and 1t would be ii
rectly contrary 10 Jugoslav welfare
II Italy were to be a war victor.
The two countries are rivals es-
pecially for future control OF the
Adr.atic. which separates them.
Jugoslavia wants to be the dom
inant Balkan power but an Axis
dictated peace would make that
impossible, The Axis. itself would
then dominate southeastern Fu.
rope. Jugoslayia would have a
better opportunity OF expanding
her influence il Great Britain won
the war.
Thus, to help the British would
benefit Jug0slay.a II Britain won
In the end. but such assistance
would bring down on Jugoslavia
the might Of the German army
Even policy OF neutrality may not
Keep the German army from enter.
ing Jugoslav territory IL Hitler con.
slders 1t essential TO move that
way. as he did through Holland ana
Belgium.
The Jugoslavs are showing cour.
age in delaying a decision. espe.
cially since Russia cannot promise
them active help at this time and
there are no full certainties OF
what will happen IN Greece. but
Hitler. himself. is also in difficulty
l. he sends troops into Jugoslayia
without Belgrade's consent. no NAV
have 50 fight the Jugoslav ARM
and he certainly will add 10 Rus.
sias resentments. II he agrees
TO simple non-aggression pact and
abandons his efforts TO force hugo.
slavia TO Join the triple alliance
that will be a defeat. coming. too
Just as Japan's foreign minister
fosuke Matsuoka reaches Berlin.
-
II there were as many people DO,
square mile throughout the whole
Z. S. as there are in Rhode Island
-66S-the nations population
would oonaI En- uro.a.s -