RUSSIAN PEOPLE NOT INFORMED

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 31, 31 October 1942, Page 8

RUSSIAN PEOPLE NOT INFORMED

“No Allied Promise Of Second Front” OBSERVER’S OPINION (Bv Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received October 30, 7 p.m.) NEW YORK, October 29. The military commentator of itbe New York “P,M.” says: “M. Stalin and the Soviet officials have always realized that Britain and the United States were not commited to the opening of a second front in continental Europe in 1942, but' they have not corrected the impression which is widely held by the Russian people that . the Allied leaders made such a promise. A highranking official in Washington who is in a position to know the feelings and temper of the Russian people, made this explanation and cleared up most of the confusion and misunderstanding with a lucid picture of what the Russian people want. “First and foreniost, they want a second front in Europe. Even a smashing success in Egypt will not be enough unless it leads to an invasion of the Continent, possibly.via Italy. M. Stalin accepted Hr. Churchill’s explanation of why it is at present impossible, but most of the Russian .people have believed that the inaction is due to the British errors of over-estimating the German strength in Erance and the Low Countries. Churchill Lessened Tension. ‘‘This source declared that Mr. Churchill’s visit to Russia considerably lessened the British-Russian tension. It is most encouraging to note that this important figure’s statement is a declaration of confidence that the Russian people will continue to resist the Nazi invaders, that Stalingrad will hold through the winter, and that the Germans will not capture either the Grozny or the Baku oil.” Drew Pearson, in the syndicated “Merry-go-Round” column, writes: ‘■Something must be done soon about the strained relations between Britain and Russia. This is one major item of advice which Mr. Willkie brought back to Washington. “How Stalin feels toward Britain over the failure to establish, a 'second front was revealed at a banquet in Moscow in the presence of the British Ambassador. Stalin said that the United States tried to send Russia some excellent equipment, which was stopped in Scotland, and inferior equipment was sent on. Stalin said he hoped that the United States would not send war goods via England any more.” Mr. Willkie refused to comment when invited to do so by the Associated Press.

The correspondent of “P.M. is apparently hinting that the “high-ranking official in Washington” whose statement is quoted is Admiral. Standley, the Ambassador to Russia who has returned tor consultations and who in an interview published yesterday said “The Russians will retain Stalingrad. The Germans will not get the Grozny or Baku oilfields this winter.” He added that Russia would fight to the bitter end. WHITEHALL BREEZE Commemoration Of Soviet Revolution.. October 29. One of the most interesting behind-the-scenes battles Whitehall has known for a long time raged about the participation of members of the services in a parade to be held on November 7 commemorating the anniversary of the establishment of the Soviet Government, 'says the ‘‘Daily Express.”. A committee arranged a big meeting in a hall in London after which the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Maisky, was to take the salute at a march-past. The Coldstream Guards Band was to lead the procession, in which representative units of the British services would march. Then the organizers received a curt letter from an official of the War Office withdrawing permission for army personnel to participate. Influential people protested to Mr. Eden, Sir Stafford Cripps, and Sir .Tames Grigg. The War Office explained: “The needs of the army-must come first,” but it. did not'explain why' permission was given and then withdrawn. Another War Office official wrote in more diplomatic terms, but maintaining the ban. More pressure was put on the Government to override the ban. A big row in Parliament loomed up. The Government .'thereupon reversed thi> War Office bah, and the band and'the army units .will march. The committee includes the Archbishop of Canterbury, interdenominational Church leaders, leaders of the Trades Union Council. Mr. Lloyd George. and two Conservative M.P.’s. Cour thousand organizations are to participate.