NATIONS' DISPUTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 16, 20 January 1944, Page 5

NATIONS' DISPUTES

DESIRE TO SEE SOLUTIONS Rec. 11 a.m. RUGBY, January 19. The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, informed the House of Commons that the British Government was giving constant thought to the RussoPolish dispute, and was in close touch with both Allies. He also answered questions about the Greek and Yugoslav guerrillas. In reply to several questions about Soviet-Polish relations, the Foreign Secretary said: "I do not think it would be a good thing to try to discuss all these equally difficult and delicate matters at question time. Naturally, they are absorbing the constant thought of the British Government, particularly the Foreign Office, and we are in the closest touch with both our Allies, the Russian Government, and the Polish Government in London. "Our prevailing desire is to bring about a friendly settlement, between the two countries, and this achievement would be of the utmost consequence to the future of Europe. We are not without hope that a favourable solution may be attained. "I*ara sure the House will feel the utmost reserve should be practised at this particular moment, and I feel confident that, in these circumstances, I may count upon the assistance of members of the House." On the Greek question, Mr. Eden said no agreement was yet reported between the guerrillas, but there were now good prospects of an early settlement. The Greek Prime Minister had appealed to all guerrillas to unite against the enemy, and his message had been endorsed by the British, American, and Soviet Governments. POLICY OF BRITAIN. There was readiness to negotiate a settlement, and a reply from the National Liberation Movement was awaited. Mr. Eden reported that it was British policy to support all those prepared to fight,the Germans. "We shall fulfil this policy in Greece to the limit of our resources, but our plans cannot achieve full effect until a settlement between the guerrillas is finally concluded," he said. "It is our earnest hope that the rival bands will be reconciled and present a united front against the enemy. It is not less essential that this unity, once it is achieved, should be maintained both during the war and after the liberation of the country. Without such unity the difficulties of distributing relief would inevitably be increased and the sufferings of the Greek people needlessly prolonged." The Foreign Secretary was asked the whereabouts of the ."Free Yugoslavia" radio station, but he said he was not lin a position to give the information. Pressed further, Mr. Eden said there were two points he must consider. "The first is whether I have sufficient accurate information to be precise, and the second whether it is my responsibility to give information about the location of a station beinrt operated by those whom we are helping in the fighting."—B.O.W.