POLITICAL UNITY

Evening Star, Issue 25635, 8 November 1945, Page 5

POLITICAL UNITY

BRITMS FOREIGN POLICY WORLD OUTLOOK NOT PROMISING FIRM ALLIES OF AMERICA (IRec. 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 7. -The Government and the Opposition were united in the foreign policy, said Mr Churchill, opening the Foreign Affairs debate to the House of Commons. It was Parliament’s profound desire, he said, that the feelings; of comradeship between the Russian and British peoples should rapidly be expanded. He had nothing but admiration “ for that truly great man, Stalin.” He added: “ The world outlook in several respects is less promising than after the German capitula--tion in 1918. Such a declaration as President Truman's 12-point peace statement on October 27 would have prevented the first World War, and lf r it had been made at any time between the two wars it would have prevented the second. We stand by the United States in the conviction, which over-rides all other considerations, that we should make clear to America that we march by her side in the cause President Truman defined.” . Referring to the atomic bomb, Mr Churchill said that what America did not wish to disclose was the practical production methods. Such a disclosure, to be effective, would have to take the form of a visit by Russian specialists, scientists, and engineers to American arsenals. > . - “I trust we are not going to put pressure on America to adopt such a course,” he said. “ I hope w e adhere to President Truman’s policy of keeping the knowledge of the processes a sacred trust as a deterrent to aggressive war. Whatever is decided should be decided by responsible Governments and not scientists, however eminent and ardent. We should make the atomic bombs ourselves, and have them here ,in suitable safe storage with the least possible delay. I am pure if the -circumstances were reversed and we or America asked for similar access to Russian arsenals it'would not be granted. During the war we imparted many secrets to the Russians, especially in connection with radar, but we were not conscious of any adequate reciprocity.” NO ANTI-RUSSIAN POLICY.

“ It is not impossible that we should ‘develop strong differences with Russia on many aspects of policy, political, social, and! even moral, but no state of mind must we allow to occur which ruptures or withers those great associations between the two' peoples, which were our glory and our safety in the late frightful convulsion. Any idea of Britain deliberately pursuing an antiRussian policy, or participating in. a combination to the detriment of Russia, is thoroughly opposed to British thought add conscience. Nothing but a long period of marked injuries and antagonism could develop any such matter again *in this land. There is now none of that confidence among men that they and their children will never again see another world war, j such as there undoubtedly was in 1919. I cannot bring myself to visualise in its vital character another war. It is a sombre thought that as long as the new world organisation is so loosely formed such possibilities and , consequences are practically beyond human control.” Mr Churchill added that Russians statement that she would soon be able to make the atomic bomb was somewhat inconsistent with the argument that she had no grievance; and aer argument that Britain and America had no great gift to bestow to induce a, complete melting of hearts and to create a new relationship. Even in the' heat of war both Britain and (Russia had acted under considerable reserve. “ According to the best information I am able to obtain, I s6e no reason to alter my estimate that it will be from three to four years before the atomio bomb secret passes to other hands, but even, then ! the progress made by Britain and America may well leave us with the prime power and responsibility for the use of these dire super-humaif weapons.” BREACH OF TRUST. Concluding ! his speeoh, Mr Churchill referred to a statement by the Labour member pf the House of Commons, Captain Blackburn, expressing a belief that there had been a secret agreement between Mr Churchill and Pre--sident Roosevelt - giving the United States virtual monopoly of the development of atomio power. He said: “ It is said that some , British and American scientists would act' independently. I gather that this would mean they would betray the secrets to foreign countries. In that case I hope the law will be used against these men with the .utmost vigour.” Mr Churchill added that what Captain Blackburn bad said concerning a secret agreement showed that some breach of trust had already occurred. Mr Churchill had no objection to the publication of any doouments signed with President Roosevelt, but the matter was one for agreement between the two countries. CARDS ON THE TABLE. Mr Bevin, replying to the debate, which was dominated by the members’ concern over the atomio bomb, appealed o the Great Powers to “ put their cards on the table—face upwards.” He declared: “We are ready, to do it.” - i Then, specifically mentioning Russia, he said that Britain would do nothing and allow nothing to be' done to provoke a situation detrimental to Russia in Eastern countries, and asked why Russia should close her doors against contacts with the outside world. He asserted Britain’s right to friendly relations with the Western European nations. Not for a mo- , ment since he held office had he considered the atomic bomb when making decisions. He hoped the world would accept the declaration that he had never once. allowed himself to think he could arrive at this or that decision because England was in possession of the atomic bomb.”