THREE-POWER TALKS TAKE CLEARER SHAPE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 207, 1 September 1943, Page 3

THREE-POWER TALKS TAKE CLEARER SHAPE

BRITAIN, U.S., RUSSIA Foreign Ministers Likely To Meet Soon N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 2 p.m. ' LONDON, Aug. 31. Interest in the relations of Britain and America with Russia has veered to a date when three-Power talks will be held. Whatever may be the official assurances that relations between the three countries are basically good behind the screen of diplomatic activity, the fact remains that speculations of the public and among those whom some people rather sourly call "congenital critics" are not improving matters. It is therefore hoped that something concrete will come out of the talks between the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Eden, with the Russian DeputyCommissar of Foreign Affairs, M. Maisky, and the United States Ambassador to, Britain, Mr. Winant, that will lead the way to clearing the air and establishing a better understanding—publicly as well as privately. It is not only a question of the opening of a second front which requires discussion, but also political policy. Russian Newspaper Comment This question of a second front has been reopened by Russian newspaper comment. For instance, Pravda declared: "A shattering blow against Germany is scarcely imaginable without the use of the tremendous strategic advantage of the British Isles as a main base for ini vasion."' The newspaper went on to point out that England was saved from the threat of invasion by the Soviet Union, that after the GermanRussian war started England got the chance to mobilise her full war economy. Such comment drew from The Times the remark that the revival of the second front campaign was a psychological blunder, "for strategy cannot be directed by popular debate." There is also comment that if a second front would result in Germany withdrawing 60 divisions from the east, then the Germans must have made inaccurate calculations, for they already have between 20 and 40 divisions in the west, and it is bold to assume that they miscalculated to such an extent. On the political side there are divergent views on the position of the Poles, from whose Government in London the Russians withdrew recognition last year without consultation with Britain or the United States, while recently Britain and the United States recognised the French Committee of National Liberation, leaving the Russians to act independently in a matter in which, says The Times, "Joint and simultaneous action could well have been arranged." Next Six Weeks Vital There is also the question as to what part the three Powers are going to take in organising security in post-war Europe The coming six weeks are regarded as the most important, for, as the Observer points out, "The end of these six weeks will either see all the Allies together and in sight of victory or a serious crisis regarding confidence between Russia and her Western Allies. Which of these it will be depends at this juncture almost entirely on our ability to wage a successful war with political as well as with military arms." Mr. Eden to-day saw M. Maisky and Mr. Winant. Preparatory work may continue for some days. It appears to be agreed that the meeting should be on the Foreign Secretary level. Mr. Eden will represent Britain, the Russian Foreign Commissar, M. Molotov, will possibly represent the Soviet and Mr. Harry Hopkins, head of the United States Munitions Assignment Board, or Mr. Winant may represent the United States.