ABSTRACT
Eastern Europe was a ‘no- man’s-land, possession of which would give any Power the first place on the continent. It was essential to control it before challenging either of the two great land Powers with whom Germany’s policy of expansion must ultimately bring her into conflict, France or Russia. Germany had certain specific claims in relation to Eastern Europe. Marshal Pilsudski Goring began to spend holidays in the country, and represented Germany at the king’s funeral. German policy definitely opposed the dismemberment of Yugoslavia, preferring to keep the considerable state united and make it a friend of Germany. Events in Abyssinia and Spain, and the growth of Benito Mussolini’s ambitions at the expense of the Western Powers, brought Italy and Germany closer together in 1936 and 1937. The occupation of Prague had caused alarm in Rumania, where for a time a Hungarian invasion of Transylvania, with the blessing of Germany, was feared.
