MR MARSHALL BELIEVES MOSCOW CONFERENCE MAY YET PRODUCE RESULTS

Evening Star, Issue 26087, 29 April 1947, Page 5

MR MARSHALL BELIEVES MOSCOW CONFERENCE MAY YET PRODUCE RESULTS

(Rec. 12.50 p.m.) WASHINGTON,. April 28. Agreement was made impossible at Moscow because Russia insisted upon proposals which would have established in Germany a centralised Government adapted to the seizure of absolute control of a country which would be doomed economically. The Secretary of State, Mr George Marshall, made this statement"' in a broadcast to the nation to-night. He said Germany mould have been mortgaged to turn over a large part of its production as reparations, principally to Russia. “ Such a plan not only involved an indefinite American subsidy, but it could result only in a deteriorating economic life for Germany and Europe, and an inevitable emergence of dictatorship and strife,” he said. The Soviet delegation claimed in another form the same mortgage upon Austria. Mr Marshall said Generalissimo Stalin had told him it was possible no great success would be

achieved at the session, but that he thought compromises were possible on all the main questions, including demilitarisation, the political structure of Germany, reparations, and economic unity. It was necessary to have patience and not become pessimistic, whereupon Mr Marshall commented: “ I sincerely hope the Generalissimo is correct, and that it implies a greater spirit of co-operation by the Soviet delegations in future conferences.” ” But we cannot ignore ttte time factor involved. Europe’s recovery has been far slower than had been expected. Disintegrating forces are becoming evident. The patient is . sinking while the doctors deliberate. I believe action cannot await compromise through exhaustion.” Summarising the conference’s achievements, Mr Marshall declared: “ Despite the disagreements referred to and the difficultis encountered, possibly greater progress towards a final ,settlement was made than is realised. Critical differences were for the first time brought into the light, and now stand clearlv defined. Future, negotiations can start with the knowledge of exactly what issues must be settled.”