TALKS WITH RUSSIA

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 48, 25 August 1943, Page 5

TALKS WITH RUSSIA

POSSIBLE CONFERENCE

(Spec^l P.A. Correspondent.)

LONDON, August 23

The "Observer" comments: "There is great optimism in London about relations with Russia, but the basis for it is hard to find, since all the outstanding problems remain to be solved." The paper agrees that some kind of conference is almost certain.

"The Times" suggests that there is little doubt that plans are being drawn up in Quebec in a desire for a conference with the Soviet Union.

The Russians' insistence on a second front*has not so far met with the same enthusiastic response from the British public as last year, when meetings "demanding" a second front were quite frequent. While the admiration among the rank and file for Russia has not diminished, the quietness this year is probably influenced by the rolling up of the war in North Africa and the success in Sicily, coupled with the defeat of the U-boats and the devastating bombing. Last year the British public's attitude to a.second front was influenced by a feeling that the Allies had contributed little material help to Russia; this year it sees victory plainly ahead and, while agreeing that a frontal attack against the fortress of Europe is desirable if it is,feasible, regards the progress made generally as better than was expected.

Nevertheless,' there is a strong desire for a three-Power conference as soon as possible. *"

As opposed to the growing restlessness regarding these inter-Allied relations, well-informed circles in London maintain that relations with Russia were never better, and that a meeting between Messrs. Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin will take place. The impression is received that it will be at a time when Marshal Stalin can take his immediate attention from the Russian front line.