"DISCREDITABLE"

Evening Star, Issue 25700, 25 January 1946, Page 5

"DISCREDITABLE"

RUSSIA'S POLITICAL BLACKMAIL MANY FRIENDS LOST LONDON, January 23. Even (Russia's most faithful—and often sycophantic—friends are against her attempt to balance Greece and Indonesia against Persia, in the Councils of the United Nations, says the ' Daily Mail' in a leader. M. Vyshinsky having read the newspapers, may be' assured that they are not all pulled by one official string, but really speak from conviction and represent the popular view. Russia has had a bad Press in this country. The British people have quickly seen through her discreditable manoeuvre. Russia's accusation against Britain in Greece and Java was a piece of political blackmail designed to prevent an inquiry into Russian interference in Persia. It would be a grave misfortune if this blackmail were_ to succeed. It will succeed if the United Nations accept the suggestion that all three problems should be deferred. That is exactly what Russia wants, and the proposal is strongly supported by the Russian delegates. Consideration of such matters cannot wait, neither can an inquiry into the Persian problem, says the ' Daily Mail.' The truth is that Russia's policy in' Persia will not bear close scrutiny. She wants it overshadowed and, if possible, forgotten. Britain, on the other hand, has no need to burk any examination of her motives and actions. A task even more important than that of protecting her own fair name lies before this country —to save the soul of the United Nations Organisation. I': would be pusillanimous to put off the awkward situation on the weak exouse that U.N.O. is not yet prepared to meet it. It would fatally weaken the prestige and influence of U.N.0., bringing upon it the contempt which reduced the League of Nations to futility.