Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1948. OTHER SIDE OF PICTURE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 138, 23 March 1948, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1948. OTHER SIDE OF PICTURE

J here are always two sides to every question, and in order to form a just conclusion, it is desirable to know all the facts, or at least, the reasons for the attitude adopted by both sides. Much has been said in recent weeks concerning- the drift of the Balkan countries toward the East, and the concern exhibited has been based on the views expressed by the Western democracies. Yugoslavia, Poland and Czechoslovakia still regard themselves as democracies, but they claim that they have acted as they have done because Britain, the United States and France have not kept to the YYilta and Potsdam Agreements. It is of some interest to study the attitude of these people and to examine the reasons why the}- have drifted toward Russia. Quite recently the Foreign Ministers of the three countries named met in Prague to discuss the international situation, and they came to the conclusion that the problem of Germany was still open to solution. They held also that not only 'had Britain, France and America not held to the Yalta and Potsdam Agreements, but were showing a lessening inclination to do so. The Ministers decided that the “non-fulfilment of the de-Nazifi-cation; the prevention of the payment of reparations; the tendency to preserve the German war industry potential; the re-instate-ment of former Nazis and their financiers to responsible posts — all these indubitable facts run counter to earlier allied agreements. The merging of the British and American zones carried out last year and the trends of the Marshall Plan clearly show that the situation is being systematically created in Western Germany as to disturb the genuine friends of peace and democracy.” These are facts gleaned from an official Yugoslav source, and they clearly show why these nations are not willing to participate in any conferences called by the Western Powers. Perhaps the most significant reason offered by the Ministers for the refusal of the three countries to co-operate is because they believe that Britain and France are endeavouring to revive Germany’s war 'potential, which constitutes - a danger to their peace. All these countries were the victims of Plitlerite aggression, and their present attitude is understandable. Their beliefs, however, are not based on a true reading of the intentions oi the Western Powers. Perhaps they are not being allowed to believe otherwise, but until they can be convinced of the sincerity of the aims of Britain, France and America, then there can be no hope of international co-operation let alone good will.