Germany's Predominance The German Press has since the Peace of
Munich thrown some extremely interesting light on the new distribution of power in Europe. It is taken for granted that Germany has now secured a dominating position in Central and South Eastern Europe, and that any concessions she may offer in the future cannot affect this position. Further, as an article in the Hamburger Fremdenblatt emphasise;, the restoration of colonies is for Germany a question of " equal rights," of honour, and of the reversal of the Versailles verdict on Germany's incapacity for colonial rule ; the article makes the rather surprising suggestion that European .domination in Africa cannot be maintained without German co-operation. Lastly, it is clear how Germany means to perpetuate the position she has acquired and secure satisfaction of her demands. British and French rearmament is taken as an act of hostility to Germany, a general reduction of arma- ments as a means of maintaining her present superiority in the air. General Goring's National Zeitung, of Essen, accepts an Italian estimate of Germany's front line strength at 3,000. This figure is much lower than many estimates circulated in this country, but it is probably enough to give her a clear superiority over Great Britain and France together. By 1940-41 she will have a front line strength of 6,00o, which, on the Italian estimate, will still be-greater than the combined Anglo-French force. It seems clear that in the period 1938-41 Germany will use her superiority to enforce her demands to the utmost and, on the other hand, to prevent it being challenged by other countries.
* * * *
Previous page
