Reactions in the Balkans
The lessons of the invasion of Norway have not been lost on the Governments or peoples of the Balkans. The stern measures taken in Rumania and Yugoslavia against German agents reflected the first reaction, and in the latter country Croat leaders have come forward with declarations of loyalty to the Government; and the Danubian countries have check- mated German demands for police rights on the Danube by arrangements for policing the river themselves. But perhaps the most striking evidence of the impression and the realisation of danger created in the Balkans is afforded by the state- ments made both by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria. The latter declared that Bulgaria's policy towards her neighbours is "inspired by the wider interests of the whole Balkan community," and that she intends to take no step that could harm the position of any of them. This is taken to mean that at the very least Bulgaria will make no attempt during the present war to secure the territorial revisions she desires. The fact is that the Balkan States are fully alive to the imminence of their danger,. and are less disposed than ever before to dwell upon their mutual differences. But will this realisation be strong enough to lead them to take the only measure which can make them safe—a measure which Turkey at least desires—a military alliance under which they would unite in resistance to Germany and not wait to be swallowed piece-meal?
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