TIES WITH RUSSIA

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 39, 16 February 1943, Page 4

TIES WITH RUSSIA

RELATIONS AFTER THE WAR

<By Teleflraph—Press Association—Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) (Rec. 9 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 15. The outstanding Russian victories which are changing the whole course of the war in Europe are having the not unsurprising but nevertheless interesting result of causing Anglo-Rus-sian relations to be increasingly discussed. It is stated everywhere by the man in the street that Britain should maintain close ties with Russia after the war. This opinion is based not only on admiration for Russia's magnificent victories, but also having regard for her post-war position.

"Who can doubt," asks Mr. Hamilton Kerr, the Conservative M.P., in discussing the question, "that the Soviet will enjoy enormous influence in postwar Europe? The Russian army will be the largest land force on the Continent. Supported by vast numbers of tanks and bombing planes, supplied by immense industry, and filled with glorious memories of Stalingrad, Moscow, and Leningrad, the Russian armament will be a tremendous instrument in the hands of its leaders. If peace is to be maintained in Europe, and if Germany is to be prevented from attempting to revive her broken fortunes, it is important that we should have a firm understanding with the Soviet."

Mr. Kerr points out that a basis for understanding already exists in the twenty years' alliance. He sees no cause for economic rivalry between the two countries, and expresses the opinion that many Britishers have an entirely false picture of the Russian mind regarding politics. He considers that the Russians are ardent patriots before they are internationalists dreaming of a world order, and that Soviet post-war foreign policy will have self-interest as its first principle. This leads him to believe that Russia is less likely to make demands in Poland and Czecho-Slovakia if Britain and America provide grounds for confidence that they will support her in the event of future war with Germany. "But should Britain and America fail her, then undoubtedly she will attempt to organise her own security, just as France did after the collapse of the Anglo-American guarantee." he adds. He is also of the opinion that Britain and Russia will be necessary to each other in the postwar world, both in Europe and in the Far East.