THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29270, 30 July 1960, Page 15

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN

“Smokescreen” Says Russian History

(N.Z Press Association— CopwnoM) MOSCOW, July 28.

The Battle of Britain was nothing but an elaborate smokescreen to disguise Hitler’s preparations to march against Russia, according to the first six volumes of Russia's official war history, “History of the Great Patriotic War of the Soviets', 1940-45.” It claimed the Luftwaffe assault on Britain was “simulated, as though it were the prime objective. All these preparations, German generals now agree, were carried on only for the sake of camouflaging the eastern campaign," said the history. Even Sir Winston Churchill admitted the continuance of the German war against England was “a necessary and convenient camouflage of concentration of forces against Russia,” it said. Russia’s version of World War II also said that Britain and Turkey plotted to bomb the Baku oil fields and cause a famine in Russia.

The book said Sir Winston Churchill decided to follow a course of making Turkey antiRussian. He and the Turkish leader discussed in telegrams of January 19, 1941—at which time Russia and Nazi Germany were, still linked by a pact—a plan to set up bases for British bombers in Turkey which could destroy the Baku oilfields.

The history added: “British policy was to create a Balkan front against Russia.”