Thursday, July 4, 1940

A MANY-HEADED THREAT IN THE BALKANS. Washington Post columnist Barnet Nover reminds us in Wednesday’s editions that the current crisis in Rumania is far more than a confrontation between the Soviets and the Rumanians. In fact, it threatens the safety of everybody in the Balkans --

“Hungary has gone on a war footing, apparently with the determination of seizing the lost province of Transylvania if Rumania is not willing to relinquish it voluntarily. But Hungary is not Russia. Whereas Rumania felt she had no choice but to submit to Russia’s demand for Bessarabia and Bukovina, her leaders feel she is still a match for the Magyars. Greece has rushed troops to eastern Thrace, that narrow strip of land which blocks Bulgaria’s path to the Aegean and which Bulgaria has long desired. The Turks are on their guard along the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. For 20 years they have regarded the Soviet Union as a friend and ally. But this Red bear is now on the march and there is no certainty that, after washing his paws in the Danube, he will not make tracks for the Mediterranean. And Bulgaria is not quite sure whether this is the moment to regain Dobrudja or to take precautions against becoming a Russian satellite.”

Mr. Nover says the Russians could be facing a long-term threat, although the Reds certainly do have the upper hand at this time -- “In the long run all of Russia’s recent gains may merely serve as the prelude to a disastrous war in which an isolated Russia would have to fight an all-powerful Germany. For the time being, however, the Soviet Union is in a position to proceed with impunity. Germany cannot intervene in the Balkans at this time, however urgent the need, without some danger to her prospects of victory in the west. The important fact today is that Germany’s present and prospective satellites in southeastern Europe are at Russia’s mercy.”

HAPPY FOURTH TO ALL. I’m packing up the Hupmobile and heading out for a little holiday fishing trip. So, no blogging for a few days. Whether you’re observing the Fourth by having a picnic, attending a band concert, or blowing up some cannon crackers, hope it’s happy and safe for you and yours. May God bless America and protect her freedom.