POLICY OF RUSSIA

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26122, 26 May 1950, Page 7

POLICY OF RUSSIA

Comments By Mr Ernest Bevin EAST GERMANY’S POLICE FORCE (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 25. The Foreign Secretary (Mr Ernest Bevin) told the House of Commons last night that the formation cf Ea:t Germany’s armed police force might be a prelude to “a very brutal civil war” in Germany. “I think that the development there is significant. We must watch it extremely carefully,” he said. Mr Bevin indicated that the Russians may also try to stir up a civil war in Indo-China. He believed that the Russians were not satisfied with their former tactical results throughout the world and were now trying new methods. Mr Bevin said that Britain had been anxious for rather more independence to have been given the Bao Dai regime in Indo-China than had been done, but she recognised that France was handicapped by the civil war in that country. “There is a civil war in Indo-China. A big one in Europe might be a very nasty thing for the rest cf the world, hence other countries are watching developments with very great interest. “I thought myself that more was going to be started than was started when the Berlin blockade began. But there, again, thn Russians had to restudy the problem. I suppose, and they are trying to create new tactics and new methods. On lhe other hand, thnre are signs that even our Russian friends are not satisfied with the results they are achieving.” The Foreign Secretary said that Russian'; in the Security Council were “on strike and holding up the work." because of their attitude towards China’s “Russia walked out. but we say there must be a return to work pend : ng negotiations.” Communist China and U.N. He added that Britain thought it better for the new China to be inside the United Nations. “We do not want to ostracise anyone on political grounds.” Mr Bevin defended Britain’s recognition of Communist China and said he thought it was right not to let the Russians assume they were the only people who wished to do anything at all for China. “Although it may be an unpleasant decision to have to recognise the Communists. I have searched my conscience as to the alternative, and I have come to the conclusion that the advice I gave to Cabinet was right, and. in a few years to come I think it will turn out to bo right. ’’ he declared. Mr Bevin described t b e Sydney conference on aid to South-east Asia as “virile.” He added: “I am extremely glad it started in Australia. Britain has benefited very much in her relations with the United States by having Canada acting as a bridge in the North Atlantic. I have always been anxious that Australia should play a similar role in the Pacific and so keep our country, the Pacific, and the North Atlantic group, together, quite properly, in a perfect equilibrium.” Japanese Peace Treaty Discussing the Japanese peace treaty, Mr Bevin said that the matter was a difficult one. The United States was the “prime factor in the whole business.” Britain considered that those who took part in the actual fighting should make the treaty. The task of ensuring that Japan was pacified and would not resume war-like activities was one for the United States. “In South Asia a new area is being created,” said the Foreign Secretary. “It can only be created in close association with the West. It will be the biggest area for caoitai development, because the standard of livmg of so many has to be raised It will not be an area in which any of us will go in for exploitation. It is rather a great co-onerative effort to try to make up some of the leeway in reducing the difference in the living standards between East and West.” Mr R. A. Eden, who opened the debate. criticised Britain's recognition of Communist China and said: “Recognition has. in fact, brought, us no advantage at all to date ” It was embarrassing that Australia. New Zealand. Canada, the United States, and France had not recognised the Chinese Communist Government. Mr Eden said that Britain’s decision to recognise the Chinese Communists was unfortunate in timing and method. It was important to move in step with other members of the Commonwealth and the United States. Otherwise, there was the inevitab'e temptation for the Chinese Government to do precisely what it had done —nlay off one country against the