Mr Macmillan’s Mission

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28840, 10 March 1959, Page 3

Mr Macmillan’s Mission

Sir,—P. J. Alley is 100 per cent, in favour of Russian methods. This could be plain propaganda. There are people who have settled in Russia. For services rendered, they were established as part and parcel of the current aristocracy there. The price they paid could be high. The Communists won the revolution after about half a century their Utopia is as far off as ever. They still lag behind the free world. Those inside cannot get out and those outside do not .want to get in.— Yours, etc., T. E. SHAW. Westport, March 8, 1959.

Sir, —In answer to Mr Miller, the 4 per cent of Communists (actually it is more) in the U.S.S.R. represents the hard core of the movement. It demands a high sense of duty and self-sacrifice to be a Communist, and not everyone can reach that state. In New Zealand in the Labour Party for instance, 51 per cent, of the population vote labour at the elections. However, all these people, while they are good adherents of the party, do not take part in the party’s activities. It is estimated that less than 4 per cent of the members are actual workers within the party. A visit to the U.S.SJt -would show just how much the people are behind the

Communist Party. If “Ham” is going to quote Noel Coward, then perhaps I might be permitted to quote Juliot-Curie. He writes: “The growing part played in international affairs by peoples which have freed themselves from colonial ties, the Bandung spirit, has been an indestructable asset for all peoples who safeguard peace.”—Yours, etc., P. J. ALLEY.. March 9 1959.

Sir,—Two questions Mr Macmillan would have in mind when conferring with Mr Khrushchev. Why should Russian leaders get so worked up about the necessity to Compete with the West? Why can’t they set their own goals, preserve their own gait and leave others alone? And how comes it that in their efforts to establish a classless society these leaders should find it so necessary to whip up this burning desire to compete? The whole thing seems to be illogical, as contrary to their philosophy.—Yours, etc., W. March 9, 1959.