AFTER STALIN

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28016, 10 July 1956, Page 3

AFTER STALIN

Sir, —In spite of Russian propaganda, Stalin was a genius. He made stupid mistakes. He also made Russia the second nation of the world, with the world against him. From the smears and sneers at Russia’s offer of “coexistence.” I predict the future struggle will be whether the Soviets engulf the West or the West engulfs the Soviets. History favours the Soviets- economics the West, provided the earth does not disintegrate atomicnllv While Germany hesitated grabbing Poland in 1939. Hitler delayed to avoid war with Russia in the East and France and Britain in the west, simultaneously. Hitler then made a pact with Stalin. Germany defeated France and Stalin stupidly weakened his Polish front. Here is where Stalin’s genius failed him. An all-out attack by Russia on Germany would have brought Britain and America in on his side and saved millions of lives. Versailles caused World War 11. Yours, etc.. RALpH s WHEELER. Timaru. July 8. 1956.

Sir.—The accusation of “Personality Cult” against Stalin is just Khrushchev’s idea of appeasing the West by watering down the great pioneering work Stalin did for the Russian work-

ers, of lifting them from poverty, degradation, and illiteracy, to fruitful and intelligent living. Western leaders are quite prepared to accept Khrushchev’s accusation against Stalin as it will soften for them the impact of the big surge of Socialism now abobt to sweep every country. The ordinary people want justice, freedom from fear, and a healthy human existence. —Yours, etc., REASON. July 9. 1956.

BOOKINGS FOR SPRINGBOKS’ MATCHES

Sir, —There has been much criticism of those persons who paid others to obtain their reservations. The writer pleads guilty to doing this. For over 40 years I have been a financial member of one of our largest clubs. When playing days were over I served as club secretary, committeeman, and coach. No longer in the best of health but as keen as ever on the game, I had only one chance of seeing the game, and I took it. I have had season tickets for several years now. — Yours, etc., OLD-TIMER. July 9, 1956.

Sir, —I happened to be in Colombo and Cashel streets this afternoon. I have not seen or heard about any additions to the mental hospital being contemplated, but from what I saw it is evident that extensions are urgently necessary.—Yours, etc., OLD FOOTBALLER. July 8, 1956.