COMMENT IN MOSCOW

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28314, 27 June 1957, Page 13

COMMENT IN MOSCOW

“Suez Shadow” Over Talks

(Rec. 10 p.rn.) MOSCOW, June 25. The shadow of the Suez crisis would loom over the London conference of Commonwealth Prime Ministers, even if Suez was not mentioned in the speeches, Moscow Radio said tonight. ’ The Commonwealth was an Important factor in world politics and the present conference—an event of no little importance—was the first since the Suez crisis, the radio said.

Suez gave rise to serious fundamental differences between the members of the Commonwealth. It was not just a family quarrel, the radio said.

The point at issue was the attitude to colonialisiq and it was notable that Britain’s Suez invasion was denounced by Pakistan, a member of the Bagdad Pact and 5.E.A.T.0., as well as by India, the radio said. The conference’s attitude on disarmament would be interesting.

The arms race was a heavy burden and it was therefore puzzling to hear that Britain intended to supply the Commonwealth with atomic arms, which would probably speed that race, the radio said. “Not encouraging, either, are the reports that Britain is looking for places to set up new bases in the Middle East.” the radio said.

“Such a policy can no more reduce international tension than it can strengthen the Commonwealth”