Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1948. TALK OF WAR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 133, 17 March 1948, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1948. TALK OF WAR

There appears to be growing inAmerica a feeling that war within the next 10 years is not inevitable. In fact, the efforts being made to speed up decision in regard to the European recovery aid programme would suggest that many Senators and Congressmen hold this view. Europe is certainly in a very bad shape economically, and is in no condition to face war if it should come. But it can only come from one source, and that is Russia. The point to be considered is then whether Russia is herself capable of waging war. At one period during the last conflict she was almost ’ finished. The German armies swept forward at amazing speed, and in order to make conquest more difficult, the Russians adopted a scorched earth policy which, in conjunction with severe winters, proved exceedingly effective. But it has to be remem'bered also that this same scorched earth policy did immeasurable harm to Russian industry and productive ability, damage which could not possibly be repaired in a year or so. It was reported that a big proportion of Russian industry was removed to safety behind the Urals, but even sp all the country west of these mountains was laid waste. The Soviet has put out reports in recent weeks that production has improved considerably in the last two years, but it cannot possibly have reached the stage where all the war* damage has been overtaken and the point reached where the nation is capable of undertaking aggression. That being so, there can be no immediate danger of a conflict. It is as well not to ignore the signs, however, and it may be that both Britain and America, and even the smaller Western Powers are reading them correctly. Britain has decided to maintain ' a reasonably strong navy, and while the effective army strength is to be reduced, she will have at call a fairly large number of trained men for all the services. Experience has proved a bitter teacher, and if the speedy passing of the aid programme by the United States is achieved, it will do much to strengthen the participating European nations. The entire programme will not be effective immediately, but early implementation is desirable and, in the light of present feeling in the States, -looks almost certain.