STALIN LOOKS BACK

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 123, 26 May 1945, Page 8

STALIN LOOKS BACK

DESPERATE OUTLOOK AT TIMES

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) Rec. 10.50 a.m. LONDON, May 25.

Marshal Stalin, personally appearing at a great victory banquet to Red Army commanders in Moscow last night, admitted that there were times in 1941----42 when the position of the Soviet Union was desperate.

Speaking at the end of the celebration, after referring to this desperate position, Marshal Stalin said: "Another people might have said to the Government, 'You have not fulfilled expectations. Resign and we will set up another Government which will conclude peace with Germany and give us peace and a guarantee of a quiet life,' but the Russian people did nothing of that sort. They believed in the Government's policy and took the road of sacrifice in order to ensure the rout of Germany. This confidence was what proved to. be the force -which made certain the historic victory over the enemy of mankind." Messrs. Stalin and Molotov both toasted individually each of the marshals, generals, and admirals who directed and led the Russian forces, including Marshals Voroshilov, Timoshenko, and Budenny, in addition to the recent commanders. Nineteen toasts were drunk.