Many Problems For New Foreign Secretary

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27632, 13 April 1955, Page 13

Many Problems For New Foreign Secretary

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 10 p.m.) • LONDON, April 12. The greatest of the post-war problems are as insoluble as ever, says the “Manchester Guardian” commenting on the situation Mr Harold Macmillan, Britain’s new Foreign Secretary, inherits at the Foreign Office.

“No agreement on reuniting Germany is likely, none on the other divisions with Russia and none on disarmament,” the newspaper says. “Nor can Macmillan hope by any stroke of genius to circumvent these problems. They are going to be with us for a long time to come unless the Russian Government takes to reading Chekov and Shaw instead of Marx and Stalin.

“No magic is to be found in talks although they may be necessary to puncture Mr Molotov’s inflated claims and to convince the sentimental on our side that the Russians have nothing new to offer. “On Germany, there is not a sign that the Soviet Government is ready for agreement on any practicable basis. Military influence over Russian problems has probably increased since

the promotion of Marshals Bulganin and Zhukov.”

The “Manchester Guardian” adds: “This means Mr Molotov is probably still less likely to concede anything which means withdrawal of Russian troops, aircraft and radar units from Germany. “In disarmament, the prospects are equally dim. Not only does Russian opposition to effective international inspection continue finely, but there is also the new difficulty that decisive quantities of plutonium may now have been hidden beyond the reach of any inspectors. Neither side now could trust a checking system and debate about it has become sterile. “On big issues then. Mr Macmillan faces a bleak prospect. He cannot hope to secure a broad agreement with Russia or progress towards disarmament.

“For years to come, both sides are bound to rely on the security provided by their own armed forces and on their stocks of bombs. Both will face each other across a divided Europe and both will be competing for the support of the undecided nations in Asia.

“But in such a situation, the Foreign Secretary has important tasks—to limit conflicts so far as possible, to

strengthen the Western alliance and to give help among the neutrals. “Mr Macmillan will* have to carry on diligently Sir Anthony Eden's work in trying to persuade the contestants in thg Formosa Straits to renounce the use of force in settling their dispute. The Formosa Straits are an immediate crisis: others may come in South-east Asia and the Middle East and Mr Macmillan will have to be constantly on watch.” The “Manchester Guardian” also suggests that Mr Macmillan will have to keep an eye on Russian propaganda and relations with the United States. “With his recent and heavy experience with the decisions on the hydrogen bomb, Mr Macmillan must be well aware of the failings in the British-American partnership. Whatever he can do to remedy them will be more than welcome."