Evening star., 1941-07-10
Axis Heat Over Iceland


powers do not at all relish our safe
guarding of Iceland by landing naval
and marine forces. Officially they
have not yet defined their attitude,
but their inspired press and Spokes-
men have expressed themselves with
acid vigor
A Berlin newspaper recognized as
a mouthpiece of the Foreign Othce
presumably sets the official tone by
calling our entry into Iceland a stab
in the back while Europe is Strug-
| Cling with BolSheviSm for the pres
ervation of European civilization.
| One German spokesman asserts that
From a military point of view, these
troops might as we'll be in British
port" while another observes sar-
castically that americans have
made the term Western Hemisphere
sort of movable geographical con-
ception."
Rome comment is less specific and
somewhat less heated. The emphasis
is laid upon what is termed "a genu-
inc intervention in European waters
which one newspaper calls another
step toward the precipice" of open
warfare between America and the
Axis. Since Iceland is in the war
zone proclaimed by Germany after
British troops occupied the island
last year, and since German sub
marines have long been active in the
vicinity, both Berlin and Rome be-
lieve that hostile incidents between
German and American naval or air
forces are almost inevitable.
The fact that the Axis govern
ments have not yet formally spoken
doubtless is due to two good rea-
sons. In the first place, there is
nothing that they can really do
about the matter, especially at
moment when they are preoccupled
with Russia. And that, in turn,
probably renders them less than ever
inclined to precipitate an open
breach with the United States.
The attitude of Japan, the third
Axis partner, is even more cautious
officially, and its spokesmen are
notably restrained. The japanese
Army spokesman in China intimates
that his government might use our
action in Iceland as precedent for
similar protective" Japanese actions
in the Far East. Asked about reports
of an impending japanese move into
Southern Indo-China, the Spokes-
man, Major Akiyama, replied: Just
as the United States did not an
nounce the Navy was in Iceland until
it was occupied, we cannot make an
announcement about future mat
ters."
In sharp contrast with Axis dis
pleasure is Britain's cordiality. The
London press hailed the news OF
Americas entry into Iceland with
enthusiasm, and this has been quick
ly followed by official approval in a
statement by Prime Minister Winston
Churchill before the House of Com
mons. Foreseeing effective co-opera-
ton between the British and Amer
ican Navies in Icelandic waters, he
hailed our action as lone of the most
important things that has happened
since the war began"
One of the more interesting points
in Mr.. Churchills speech was his
statement: I'VE still propose to re-
tain our army in Iceland" First re-
ports had been to the effect that the
large British garrison, estimated at
10000 or more, would be withdrawn
for service elsewhere. 1t would now
seem that British and American land
forces are destined to cooperate on
the island as the navies will do off
shore.
Meanwhile, the Icelandic people
themselves appear to be we'll salts
fed with all that is taking place. In
this connection, the Swedish press is
voicing discreet approval. So, out
side of the Axis, everybody concerned
seems to be content.