3 MARCH 1939, Page 2

Nazism in Hungary and Rumania Mistrust of Germany in Central

Europe has increased since it became clear that to fulfil German demands in foreign policy it is necessary also to introduce totalitarian methods at home. The fate of Czecho-Slovakia after Munich has disillusioned many who honestly believed in the possi- bility of friendly co-operation with Germany ; the Nazi conception of a friend is a slave. Thus in Rumania and Hungary steps have been taken to reverse totalitarian tenden- cies, and especially anti-semitic policies, which in such countries reduce commercial life to chaos. In Rumania the anti-semitic regulations introduced to forestall the Iron Guard are being relaxed now that the strength of the Iron Guard has been destroyed. Orders for large-scale expulsions have been cancelled, permits to work granted to Jews deprived of their citizenship, disabilities imposed on Jewish professional men withdrawn, and Jews received in the Government's Patriotic Front. In Hungary, last week, Count Teleki's new Govern- ment disbanded the Hungarian Nazi party as an illegal and unconstitutional organisation. Such action illustrates the determination of the Central European States to maintain their internal independence ; it should be remembered that if they are to succeed they need practical assistance and encouragement from abroad.