Change in Yugoslavia Messages from Belgrade have been curiously unilluminat-
ing regarding the real purport and effect of the Cabinet changes in Yugoslavia. Dr. Stoyadinovitch has occupied so dominating a position in his country as Premier and Foreign Minister since June, 1935, that his displacement is an event of substantial importance. The cause is said to be the Croat question, from which it would appear that the new Prime Minister, M. Svetkovitch, intends to make a serious effort to reach a working agreement between the Serbs and the Croats, whose leader, Dr. Matchek, refused after the last election, in December, to treat with Dr. Stoyadinovitch. That will be all to the good, for a disunited Yugoslavia is a danger to itself and its neighbours in the present condition of Europe. The external effects of the change are not yet clear. Dr. Stoyadinovitch had moved considerably in the direction of the Axis Powers, and his removal will destroy some at least of the value of the recent visits of Dr. Funk and Count Ciano to Belgrade. It is true that the new Foreign Minister, M. Cincar-Markovitch, has for three years been Minister of his country in Berlin, but proximity does not always breed affection in such cases. Developments of the situation will be watched with interest—particularly in view of the move for a Black Sea Security Pact which would include Russia and all the members of the Balkan League except Yugoslavia.
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