LEADERSHIP OF SOVIET

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26986, 11 March 1953, Page 9

LEADERSHIP OF SOVIET

Funeral Orations Analysed LONDON, March 9. Mr Georgi Malenkov took the opportunity of Stalin’s funeral to underline for the Soviet people and the world that he is the new supreme rtiler of the U.S.S.R. and Stalin’s heir, writes Don Dallas, a former Reuter correspondent in Moscow. He also confirmed the secret police chief. Mr L. P. Beria, as No. 2 in the hierarchy—ahead of Mr Molotov. He clearly indicated that he would have two -of Stalin’s ablest and most trusted lieutenants as his right and left hands. The set-up, perhaps on the wish of the dead Stalin, is the nearest thing to a triumvirate. The Soviet people need strong, firm leadership, and a strong top unified direction policy more than at any time since the war, Dallas claims. The slightest indication of disunity in the Russian leaders would lead to unrest in Russia and other Communist countries. Soviet pronouncements since Stalin’s death have emphasised the constant need for unity. They also betrayed the fear that unrest would follow Stalin’s death. Mr Malenkov made it clear that he regards himself as historically "No. 3 to Lenin and Stalin.” He has always been regarded as a brilliant executor of Stalin’s policy. Western diplomats said it appeared on the basis of the speeches by the three leaders that Soviet leadership would continue to advocate the peaceful co-existence of the capitalist and Communist worlds, at the same time consolidating and strengthening Soviet military power. They said that the speeches seemed to bear out the belief that the leadership had passed smoothly and efficiently. apparently in keeping with a previously arranged plan, in which Stalin had presumably concurred. Comment in Britain A British Foreign Office spokesman said today that Britain <did not expect any abrupt change in the Russian policy for better or worse after Stalin’s death. It remained to be seen what the new leaders would make of the immense opportunities for improving relations between East and West. British diplomatic observers consider that Peking’s dependence on Moscow is greatlv influenced by the Korean conflict, and they see no

lessening in their economic, political, or other ties in the near future. The main post-war Stalin thesis which the new Soviet leaders are following is that West and East can coexist peacefully. It is considered that the Russian leaders have indicated to the Communists in Malaya, Vietminh, IndoChina, and other colonial areas that they can count on the new Soviet leaders for the same support they received from Stalin.