CLEARING THE AIR

Evening Star, Issue 21993, 1 April 1935, Page 9

CLEARING THE AIR

RUSSIAN SUSPICIONS ALLAYED CAPTAIN EDEN'S VALUABLE MISSION Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 30. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ diplomatic correspondent says:— It is obvious thatHhe Soviet has long entertained suspicions that the British policy is framed on lines hostile to Russia, because Britain is unsympathetic to the Communist regime. Captain Eden stressed the fact that British policy is not biased against any country, but is aimed at world peace. There

is ho evidence that the Soviet cherishes aggressive ambitions. On the contrary there are signs that Russia is fully preoccupied with J her problems of domestic organisation which cannot approach perfection for one, or even two, generations. Russia is apparently genuinely apprehensive concerning her safety in both the east and the west. Thus within one week Captain Eden has heard the expression by German and Soviet leaders of apprehension concerning the intentions of others. This at least suggests a reason for Poland’s fears, seeing her territories divide two large mutually apprehensive countries. The Soviet is now more ready, as a result of Captain Eden’s removal of these suspicions, to recognise that good relations with Britain are more important than an academic political policy once actively directed in an anti-' British sense. The talks may lead to increased inter-State trade, though additional orders are likely to be obtained only on a credit basis.

Captain Eden’s talks with M. Stalin were virtually identical with his talk with M. Litvinoff. The British delegates consider that the conversations have been extremely useful.

COLLECTIVE SUCURITY FAVOURED

Press Association —By Telegraph Copyright

LONDON, March 30. The ‘ Observer’s ’ diplomatic correspondent says that information received from Captain Eden tends to confirm the impression that Britain has made a clear-cut decision regarding her policy before the Stresa conference. Moscow aligns herself unreservedly with those Powers which advocate collective security, with or without Germany. According to several sources Captain Eden and M. Litvinoff discussed Far Eastern problems. M. Litvinoff is anxious to discover the British attitude to Japanese expansion. FURTHER CONVERSATIONS Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright MOSCOW, March 30. Captain Eden visited M. Litvinoff’s country home, thirty miles from Moscow, and had a lengthy conversation before lunch. He was entertained at the Red Army’s Club in the evening, after which he had dinner with M. Litvinoff and M. Voroshiloff at the Embassy.

Captain Eden will go to Warsaw on Sunday.

COMPREHENSIVE AND FRIENDLY

RUSSIA’S PEACEFUL DECLARATIONS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 30. (Received April 1, at noon.) Although no official information has been issued as to the trend or substance of the Moscow talks between Captain Eden and the Russian leaders, the Press correspondents who accompanied the British Minister on his visit are agreed that these have covered, not only the issues mentioned in the AngloFrench declaration of February 3, but also many aspects of Anglo-Russian relations. They refer to the evident desire on the part of the Soviet that these should be further developed and to the emphasis that is laid by the Soviet leaders on the point that Russia is preoccupied with vast and intricate internal problems which will require several decades to work out. Thus Russia of necessity shares with Britain the greatest desire for peace. Many questions which Captain Eden in the exploratory conversations mentioned bore upon various aspects of Soviet policy, and are said to have been answered frankly and at length, and the visit is from that point of view believed to have been most valuable and productive. Yesterday afternoon’s long conversations with M. Stalin are understood to have been of exceptional value and interest in this connection. The .correspondents naturally infer to the evident desire to do honour to Britain anti Jx> her representatives.;