SOVIET BELIEF

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 99, 28 April 1945, Page 8

SOVIET BELIEF

B1G VPOWERS MUST LEAD

"The Soviet is a sincere and firm champion of the establishment of a strong international organisation for* security " said Mr. Molotov. "Whatever may devolve upon them in the common cause will readily be done by the State Government. We will fully co-operate in the solution of this' great problem with all other Governments genuinely devoted to this noble cause. We are confident that this historic aim will be achieved in spite of all obstacles in the way.

"Dumbarton Oaks is an important contribution to it. The Crimea Conference made important supplements to that draft. Therefore, this conference has a sound basis for success."

Stressing the importance of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition which had ensured the "rout of German Fascism, Mr. Molotov warned that acquired prestige was easily wasted. The coalition was forged in the fire of the struggle and had rendered a great service to the United Nations' cause, 'he said. If the leading democratic countries showed their ability to act in,harrciony in the post-war period as well, that would mean the interests of the peace j and security «f the nations at last would be received on a firm basis and protection, but that was not all. The point at issue was whether the other peace-loving nations were willing to rally round these leading nations to create an effective organisation. MUST POSSESS FORCE. "The international organisation must have the necessary means for military protection of the nations' security," Mr. Molotov said. "Only if conditions are created guaranteeing that no violation of peace, or threat of it, shall go unpunished and that the adoption of punitive measures is not too late, will the organisation be able to discharge its responsibility for the cause of peace. "After the innumerable sacrifices of this war the urge for the establishment of an organisation is especially strong. The opponents of this have not laid down their arms. They are carrying on their subversive activities even now, though mostly in latent and veiled form.

"For this purpose they frequently use the most democratic watchwords and arguments, including the professed protection of small nations or the' principles of equity and equality for all nations.

"We njust not minimise the difficulties involved. With, eyes closed we shall not be able to find the road.

"So far as the Soviet is concerned, 1 assure the conference the whole of our people are brought up in a spirit of faith and devotion to the cause of establishing a solid international organisation.

"The Soviet people will readily listen to the wishes and suggestions of all sincere friends of this great cause. The Soviet Union can be relied upon in the matter of safeguarding the peace and security of nations. This great cause is inflexibly backed by our

peace-loving people, Government, and army, and our great marshal, Stalin. ROUT OF GERMANY ACHIEVED.

"The Soviet Government attaches great importance to this conference. The end of the war bas drawn near, at least in Europe; the rout of Hitler Germany has become a fact. The time has arrived to take care of the postwar period. The responsibility resting upon this conference to consider the establishment of r.n organisation to protect the general peace is very great.

"Gewnan Fascism, ivhich made an easy tour of all Europe, invaded the Soviet Union, where it was faced by an unflinching adversary. The country of the Soviets, which saved European civilisation in bloody battles against German Fascism, vith good reason now reminds the Governments of their responsibility for the future. This is all the more necessary because before the war the warning- voice of the Soviet was not heard with due attention.

"The League of Nations betrayed the hopes of those who believed in it. It is obvious that no one wishes to restore a League with no rights and no power, which did not interfere with any aggressor preparing for war against peace-loving nations and which sometimes lulled outright the nations' vigilance regarding impending aggression.

"The sad lessons of the League are now mentioned in order that past errors may be avoided. They must not be committed undei the sign of new and profuse promises."