“RUSSIANS STAND FAST”

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24869, 8 May 1946, Page 7

“RUSSIANS STAND FAST”

Comment by British newspapers on the prospects of the Paris conference is decidedly pessimistic. Diplomatic correspondents, almost without ex* ception. emphasise ‘hat the Russians show no disposition to give way on important points and that where they have given way it has been for the purpose of obtaining the advantage in the subsequent discussions. The modified hopes encouraged by Mr Molotovs earlier amiability have now disappeared, as it has become increasingly plain that the Russians intend to use the conference, not as an opportunity for settling the Italian pea.ce treaty, but as a means for reinforcing and extending their sphere of Political influence in south-eastern airl eastern Europe. Correspondents point out that Mr Molotov has reverted to his earlier tactics of argument by exhaustion and that the conference is likely to become a test as to whether the British and Americans on the one hand or the

Russians on the other will lose patience first. The odds in this appear to favour the Russians although there are indications that Mr Molotov desires to avoid a complete impasse at the moment. The Russians, obviously, are extremely anxious that no decisions taken in regard to Italy should be susceptible to an interpretation which may be used against Russia when the time comes to decide the peace treaties with Rumania and Hungary. It has become plain that the American policy is chiefly directed towards an early end to the military occupation in Europe and its replacement by long-term control of the former enemy States, “mild” settlements which will permit an economic revival and the breaking down of exclusive zones of influence. The Russians are ooposed to this because the present military occuoation and armistice regimes give them a means ox ■ exerting political pressure.