SOVIET POLICY EXAMINED

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23177, 14 November 1940, Page 7

SOVIET POLICY EXAMINED

COMMENT OF LONDON OBSERVERS NO UNDUE SIGNIFICANCE SEEN IN VISIT (ssmsn official wireless.) (Received November 13, 8.30 p.m.) RUGBY, November 12. Diplomatic observers in London are not inclined to attach undue significance to the meeting between Herr Hitler and M. Molotov, though the first visit M. Molotov has paid to a foreign capital has an undeniable formal importance. This attitude of reserve seems to be justified by the contrast between the reticence observed by the organs of Soviet publicity and the highly speculative assertions of German propaganda. Shrewd observers in London have never ceased to insist that Soviet policy in its present phase is dictated by purely realistic considerations, and in particular, by a determination not to become involved in the war. They argue that the policy inaugurated by the Soviet-German Pact on the eve of the war would not nave been adopted by M. Stalins Government without weighing its dangers and disadvantages along with its immediate advantages. However out or line it may appear to be with Soviet policy or the secular interest of the Russian people, they see no reason to think that Moscow would likely lightly abandon it, while the confusion created by Herr Hitler’s appeal to force persists. _ ... , „ It may be assumed that British omcial quarters have entertained no illusions on this point, though the British Government has sought for Ae fullest mutual understanding with the Soviet Government and, consistently with the principles for which Britain is fighting, for the most cordial and fruitful relations. While, therefore, informed circles here do not exclude either the possibility of some highsounding declaration emerging from the visit or the likelihood that practical economic arrangements may be negotiated, the general feeling is clearly expressed by “The Times” m the sentence: “M. Molotov will probably prove a good listener.” “The Times” adds: “It seems unlikely that he will have taken with him to Berlin full powers to commit his country to a course which would make Soviet Russia the obedient satellite of German policy in Eastern Europe and the Near East.” “The Times” sees in the feverish activity recently shown by Axis diplomacy “a not unnatural desire to consolidate existing gains while there is yet time,” and says; "Hitherto this activity on the whole has been singularly unfruitful.

Russian View of War

“The Axis propagandists profess that one of the reasons for M. MolotoVs visit is the Soviet’s wish to participate in discussions of the reconstruction of Europe necessitated by Britain’s collapse. M.’Molotov may disappoint the Nazi leaders by his inability to accept the imminence of a British collapse, because it may be assumed that the Soviet Government has been at pains to inform _ itself accurately on (he war situation. The view of Russian military experts may perhaps be reflected in the statement of the Moscow radio two days ago that ‘the end of this war is not yet in sight.’ “The picture of chaos and distress in German-controlled Europe presented in that broadcast hardly suggests that the Soviet Premier will wish to waste much time in negotiating for Russian collaboration with the Nazis' in a fictitious new European order.” Inspired Axis comment on M. Molotov’s Berlin visit, particularly that emanating from Rome, indicates a strong hope that the outcome of the discussions will be to bring Russian influence to bear on Turkish policy in a sense favourable to Axis plans. The Soviet’s recent policy does not appear to observers in London to give grounds for expecting this hope to be realised any more than the many others which find expression in the Axis press and wireless. That policy was again proclaimed at the recent gjpeat military review by the head of the Red Army as being directed by M. Stalin with the consistent purpose of safeguarding the Russian people from war. As to the well-known attitude of the Turkish Government, the comment on British-Tutkish friendship which appeared in the last few days in the Turkish newspaper “Hakikanbas” has been read in Britain with appreciation. It wrote: ‘‘Many people are possibly surprised by the deep and sincere friendship between nations which fought each other so stubbornly in the last war. The reason is simple. Turkey is a nation whose only ambition is to develop the resources within her own- territory, and Britain desires all nations to be able to do likewise in peace. ‘‘The sincere belief of Britain in this ideal is proved beyond doubt by the importance she attached to the League of Nations. The fact that she tolerated for so long, simply for the sake of European peace, the Fuehrer’s insatiable demands, provides further evidence of that belief. Britain recognises that freedom of the individual, honour, and democracy constitute the only path to progress and civilisation. Britain’s regime and way of thought have been adopted by Turkey, hence the similarity of outlook and principles between the two nations. BritishTurkish friendship is stronger thaffany Nazi-Fascist combination, which only exists to break down European order.”

Argentine Defence Plans—After a tour of inspection, Admiral Mario Fincatti said that the Government was considering the construction of a naval base near the Straits of Magellan and the modernisation of two others included in a defence programme to cost 150,000,000 dollars.— Buenos Aires, Nov. 12.