CCUNT TELEKI'S visit to Rome and the Vatican City Is yet another reminder of the uncertain fate that hangs over the countries of the Danubian basin.
No one can as yet pierce through the diplomatic mists behind which is perhaps hidden the destiny not only of Hungary and the Balkans, but the future map of Europe. It is certain, however, that the rich wheat fields of Hungary, as well as the oil of Rumania, are decisive prizes coveted by the dictators, and only withheld from them through their mutual fears.
Hungary to-day touches on the territories of Hitler and Stalin, while Italy keeps a jealous eye on a part of Europe which she considers a natural sphere of interest.
For some years Hungary, whose slogan is " No, no, never "—in reference to the Trianon Treaty that ended the last war for her—looked to Germany for deliverance. To-day she fears the plans of Ribbentrop. and looks rather to Italy for safety. But throughout this Christian outpost has opposed the Bolsheviks, whose first entry into Europe proper was made in the Budapest of 1919 under Bela Kum. Like Spain, she knows, and the memory of Hungarians is not short. In the Carpathian mountains, inhabited by Slav peasants, Bolshevik propaganda is again rife.
The welfare of Europe, as well as the safety of Hungary and her Danubian neighbours, depends more than ever upon the formation of a bloc or union of Danubian and Balkan States which, before it is too late, can face the powerful aspirations of Germany and Russia and help Italy to secure the gateway to the Mediterranean.