SCEPTICISM IN U.S.

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22796, 23 August 1939, Page 9

SCEPTICISM IN U.S.

Soviet Motives

Examined

GRANDSTAND PLAY SUGGESTED

Pressure on France And Britain

(UNITED PHESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received August 22, 11.55 p.m.) WASHINGTON, August 21. Official circles were startled by the German and Russian move and express the opinion that it will spur Mr Roosevelt’s drive to amend the Neutrality Act in favour of Britain and France. There is some scepticism as to whether the non-aggression pact will actually be completed. It is felt that the Soviet may be. endeavouring to force Britain and France to meet her demands for an outright- military alliance. It is felt in some quarters that the agreement will be passive and not aggressive, and it is pointed out that it is merely a reiteration, because the n<waggression pact signed in 1926 has cot been denounced. The “New York Times,” in a leading article, says: “If the step was long contemplated it seems strange that M. Stalin went to such elaborate lengths of duplicity in initiating the military staff talks with Britain and France. It would be stranger, in view of the Russian reserves'and suspicions, if the move were a sudden decision. It may still turn out to be a grandstand play in the game of playing one side off against the other. “If it is a real agreement, it is an event of the utmost gravity. It is easy to imagine M. Stalin, as he surveys the sharpening struggle between the Fascist and democratic Powers, resolving to let them fight it out. A weakened and, perhaps, exhausted Europe would hasten the end of the capitalistic system and offer fertile grounds for the spread of a proletarian revolution. Meanwhile the Soviet could turn with assurance eastwards and stiffen her attitude against Japan.” PEACE MOVE BY BELGIUM INVITATION TO OSLO POWERS PROPOSED CONFERENCE IN BRUSSELS (INDEPENDENT CABLE SERVICE.) (Received August 22, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, August 21. From Brussels it is reported that a special meeting of Cabinet decided to propose that the signatories to the Oslo Convention, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Luxemburg, Denmark, and Finland, jointly appeal for peace. King Leopold is inviting the seven Foreign Ministers to Brussels for a conference to be held on Wednesday.

An appeal will be addressed to the great Powers urging them to do their utmost to avoid war, which would lead to untold sufferings of their own peoples, also the smaller nations which are not concerned in their quarrels. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have already agreed to attend the conference.

While echoes of rolling gun wheels and marching men permeate Central Europe, the reactions to King Leopold’s Oslo Powers Conference are not yet fully audible. The comments range from the Wilhelmstrasse spokesman’s remark that the conference would be successful “if the participants talk sense to Poland apd persuade her allies to return to the principles of the Lansing Note,” to the French inclination to cold-shoulder any efforts directed to “changing the name of Munich to Brussels.” The Wilhelmstrasse adds: “Germany is not making concessions.” The Belgian Foreign Minister (M. Pierlot) will preside at the Brussels Conference, the aim of which will be the co-Ordination of the attitude of the neutrals towards their problems, for instance the transportation of food supplies, the care of the wounded, and the sheltering of refugees. A peace appeal is being drafted. King Leopold will not mediate. He is a supporter, not the inspirer, of the conference.