RUSSIAN FOREIGN POLICY

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23089, 3 August 1940, Page 13

RUSSIAN FOREIGN POLICY

REFERENCES TO BRITAIN AND U.S.

(UNITED PBESS ASSOCIATION—COPTNIGHT.)

(Received August 2, 10 p.m.)

MOSCOW, August 2,

i « , The . Soviet Commissar for Foreign Affairs (M. | Molotov), reviewing the foreign situation before the • Supreme Soviet Council, said that Germany had gamed much, but not her final objective, which was peace on her own terms. Great Britain had rejected H ei ’f Hitler s offer, considering that it entailed* capitulation. A new phase of the struggle was now developing, between Germany and Italy on the one hand, and Britain, aided by America, on the other.

Following her traditional policy of neutrality, Russia would not take part in the struggle.

1 ‘Russian-German relations remain wholly as laid J own in the Russian-German agreement,” said M. I Molotov. “The Soviet has strictly observed the agreei ment, which removed the possibility of Russiani German friction when Soviet measures were carried out along our western frontiers and simultaneously [ assured Germany of security in eastern Europe.

“Far from reducing the strength of the RussianGerman Non-Aggression Pact, the European developmento have emphasised the importance of its existence and further development.

~ .“TJ? foreign press, particularly the British and Anglophile press, has frequently speculated lately on the possibility of Russian-German disagreements, attempting to intimidate us by the prospect of Germany's might.

*We ourselves and Germany have exposed these attempts and swept them aside as worthless. We reiterate the opinion that Russia’s and Germany’s goodneighbourly and friendly relations are not based on fortuitous and transient considerations, but on the fundamental interests of both countries.

is noteworthy that Russianftalian relations lately have improved,” he said. “An exchange of views has (revealed that there is every possibility bf Russia and Italy ensuring mutual understanding in foreign policy and ■blso extending trade relations. “The transfer of the Soviet frontiers (to the Baltic coast is a fact of primary importance to our country! We henceforth possess ice-free ports in the Baltic of which we have great need.” There had been no essential change in Russia’s relations with Britain. The appointment of Sir Stafford Cripps asBritish Ambassador to Moscow might indicate ‘that Britain desired to improve relations. ■ He criticised America, along with Britain, for the freezing of the credits of the Baltic countries incorporated in the Soviet.

An improvement in relations with Japan was possible, but the new Japanese Government’s foreign policy was f not very clear. The incorporation of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, -Bessarabia. and Northern Bukovina had increased the Russian population by: 10,000,000.

1 M. .Molotov reviewed the German military operations culminating in the overthrow of France, and added that •although France had" obtained an harmistice, she had not yet obtained (peace.

Bad military preparedness was Sfclearly not the only cause of France’s Exceptional weakness. Considerably j&nportant also was the tact that leadjing circles in France, unlike Germany, too lightly the role and weight pal' the Soviet in European affairs.

). Task for France > i" Recent events had demonstrated wren more than that. They had shown *hat.the ruling circles in France were not connected with the people. Far from relying on their support, these leaders feared their people, who were deservedly famed as lovers of liberty, {France was now confronted with the difficult task of healing her wounds, a task which could not be realised by bid methods. M. Molotov said that relations with ftChina were cordial. The Soviet exfepected to make a trade agreement [with Sweden,, and relations with Ru[mania were now in normal channels Rafter the recent territorial adjustments.

M. Molotov went on to say 'that the eecent acquisitions- in the Danubian fcarea represented a great success for tthe Soviet Union, but to ensure further successes, the State must be kept (mobilised and ready, so that no move Hby any enemy could take the Union toy surprise. “Britain does not wish to give up her colonies, and declares that she jwill Continue the war for world (supremacy, although the defeat of EFrance and Italy’s entry into the war [involve considerably greater difficulties for Britain,” he declared; The future of Russi'an-Finnish relations depended on Finland. M. Molotov ftvamed certain circles in Finland to their attacks against those {supporting friendly Russian and Firittish relations. Russian-Turkish relations were unMehanged substantially, but the German , HWhite Book indicated that Turkey was in anti-Soviet action. ’ “I cannot say Anything good. on r ‘ BRussian-American relations,” he said. rThe imperialist conflict' may spread Bthe war to the Western Hemisphere. 'The question of the redistribution of colonies may turn the war into a world conflagration. The.end of the war is hot in sight, but probably we are on the eve of a more intensive phase.” • M. Molotov added: “The establishment of diplomatic relations with Jugoslavia must be particularly emphasised. Our relations with Bulgaria are normal. *. “France, Belgium, and Holland have large colonies which they cannot defend as strongly as previously, and the Question of the distribution of colonies is therefore becoming more acute. “Imperialist appetites are whetted not only in Japan, but also in the United States, where covetous amateurs are dissimulating imperialist plans under the banner of anxiety for the ‘interests of the Western Hemisphere. “All this threatens to convert the {Avar into an imperialist world war. The f Soviet therefore must be keenly vigilHUnt regarding external security while Strengthening all internal and external positions.” Deaths in Earthquake —The death,* *pll in the Turkish earthquake on Saturday is now 1100.—London, Au-gust-1. .

Relations With Germany And Italy Reviewed