MOSCOW CONFERENCE

Evening Star, Issue 24990, 8 October 1943, Page 3

MOSCOW CONFERENCE

PREPARATIONS WELL IN HAND ALL FIELDS TO BE COVERED (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.) LONDON, October 6. Considerable attention is being given to the ; Moscow - conference, which, it is ■understood, will begin about the middle of October. \ t It is believe'd that much work has been done in London on the proposed agenda, beginning with the visit of the Soviet Vice-Commissar for Foreign Affairs. M. Maisky, several weeks ago. It is expected that all common political questions arising from Russian collaboratiqn in problems, more specifically those of western and south-eastern Europe, will come\ within ~the range of. the discussions. There will also be talks on Russia's policy towards Germany, the future of Italy, and the Russian attitude towards Poland, East Prussia, and the Balkan States. It is hoped # that the conference will be a preliminary to a meeting between Marshal Stalin, President Roosevelt, and Mr Churchill, and that the talks will determine what is or is not practicable. It is emphasised that a political agreement must precede all other agreements, such as economic, commercial, and financial.

The .'Daily Mail' comments: "The problems to be tackled are most formidable indeed. The political differences between Britain and America are difficult enough, but when we add the vast complex of interests represented by (Russia the task might daunt the bravest mind. Happily, courageous minds are not wanting among the statesmen of/ the three Powers."

■ The Foreign Secretary, Mr Anthony Eden, welcomed the new Soviet Ambassador, M. Fyodor Gusev, after which they reviewed the plan for the threePower conference in Moscow, says the diplomatic correspondent of 'The Times.' Mr Eden also talked with the new American Ambassador to Russia, Mr Averill Harriman, who is en route ,to Russia.

Everything seems to be prepared for the conference. Three delegations are making the last survey of the wide field to be covered. It is their deter-, ruination to omit no problem' of common concern, present or post-war. military, political, or economic. They will decide many questions themselves and possibly leave a few over for the proposed conference of President Roosevelt, Mr Churchill, and Marshal Stalin. In order to provide a full exchange of military informatino, Mr Eden is taking a military staff headed by. Majorgeneral Sir Hastings Ismay, who has accompanied Mr Churchill on many missions.