Balkan Rivalries
• The degree to which Rumania's Government has subordin- ated itself to Germany is shown by its action in detaining British vessels on the Danube, expelling British subjects, and taking control of the Astra-Romana Oil Corporation mainly owned by Britons—action which has led to British reprisals and a protest. Whilst these provocative measures were being taken at home, presumably to win favour with Hitler, the Rumanian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were waiting upon the Fiihrer at Salzburg. Thither also repaired delegates from Bulgaria and Slovakia. It was Germany's turn to move in the game of political chess which she is playing wtih Russia. Her aim at this moment is to prevent a conflagration in the Balkans, coercing Rumania and enticing Hungary and Bulgaria into some sort of alliance which will deprive Russia of any excuse for intervening, whilst keeping these countries hopeful of the future good offices of Germany. Thus Rumania might be coerced into yielding a small slice of territory to Hungary and the Southern Dobrudja to Bulgaria. But apparently the three States have all been told to find a modus vivendi among them- selves, since Germany for the moment claims no more than economic interests. Meantime Russia is at work behind the scene. She can outbid Germany for the goodwill of Bulgaria by offering the whole Dobrudja region, which would give Russia and Bulgaria a common frontier and close the mouth of the Danube. Yugoslavia, whom the German plans leave isolated, is thrown more than ever into the Russian camp ; and an alternative alliance suggests itself, between Yugoslavia and Bulgaria, with a friendly Russia and Turkey in the background. The most doubtful element in all these manoeuvres is Rumania. The game is resolving itself into a scramble for her body and soul. Rumania has merely succeeded in depriving herself of friends in every direction and dividing herself internally.
