MOSCOW TALKS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 166, 28 April 1947, Page 3

MOSCOW TALKS

FAILURE CAUSES GRAVE ISSUES VIEWS OF “THE TIMES” (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) LONDON/ April 26. Reviewing the Moscow Conference “The Times,” in a leading ’ article, says the agenda was the most important the Foreign Ministers’ Council has yet had before it, and the failure to agree on a single point of that agenda is correspondingly grave. Neither a few minor agreed conclusions on Germany nor the relegation of other somewhat more substantial points to further consideration, nor even the philosophical, tactful observations made yesterday by Mi* Bevin or Mr Marshall, can mitigate the verdict of failure which must be passed on the Moscow meeting. And though this was the Council’s first full meeting on Germany, no comfort should be sought in the analogy of its. equally complete failure at the first meeting on other peace treaties in the autumn of 1945. That failure was eventually retrieved a year later, but the issues then involved were much less grave than those raised by Germany where matters cannot stand still until the four Powers agree to act in common. They cannot stand still even till next November, when the Foreign Ministers meet again. Germany by then will be entering her third winter . since the war, and active steps must be taken now. in Western Germany at least, to see that the next winter opens with better prospects than the last. “The Times” adds that the object of the British policy must remain unchanged, namely, co-operation with Russia as well as with America and France and a return to the conception of a United Europe on the basis of an economically united Germany under genuine four-Power control. It is an objective wholly serviceable to Russian interests, but Russia will most easily be persuaded to join in working for it, if she can be persuaded first that her Allies are not. prepared to pay any price for reaching it, and are not afraid to contemplate an alternative and more limited objective if it cannot be reached. Possible Starting Point Over the next seven months, therefore, Britain and America and, if she will join them, France, must proceed resolutely with their task in Western Germany. The three-Power coal exports agreement—the most important agreement reached at Moscow —may prove the starting point for further cooperation. Russia can join Britain and America whenever she chooses. Her exclusion from the united control of Germany brings them no advantage. On the contrary, they stand to lose much by it, and only the Germans stand to gain but the responsibilities of the Western Powers positively forbid acquiescence in an indefinite deadlock. The Foreign Ministers’ Conference made great decisions and laid another stone in the foundations of a peaceful German state, says “Izvestia.” Naturally, big and complex problems could not be solved at a single session of the Council. The Soviet delegation found a number of points on which it was prepared to make concessions, if the other delegations would make concessions on the question of reparations. The correspondent of the Associated Press says observers in the British, United States and t French Embassies described the “Izve'stia” comment as constructive and illustrative of Russia’s desire to continue this method of international deliberations on world problems. “NOT A SUCCESS” AUSTRIA MUST BE FREE (Rec. 12.15 p.m.) VIENNA, April 27. Foreign Minister Gruber, in a broadcast to-day, said the Moscow conference was “not a success.” He added: “If ever a free democratic Austria is created, it will not be because of Aided policy but in spite of it.” Gruber, criticising the negotiations, said it was more important for the Allies to treat Austria as a free and independent nation than to add several articles which state how vital it is to ensure Austrian independence.” We cannot see any moral reason for the Allies to continue occupation.”