Forms of Peace Hide Massive Struggle in Europe

Evening Star, Issue 26103, 17 May 1947, Page 7

Forms of Peace Hide Massive Struggle in Europe

(Rec. 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, May 16. Mr MacMillan, winding up the Foreign Affairs Debate for the Opposition, said the Foreign Secretary had their sympathy, but it would be wrong to conceal their alarm at th£ deterioration in-the European scene. “It is impossible to resist the conclusion that Russia is consistently following a policy of procrastination. All over Europe the massive struggle is beginning beneath the outward forms of peace and diplomacy.” Britain should ask France to join a crusade to build a sense of unity among the nations of Europe. The seeds of war lay in feebleness and insecurity, not in firmness.

Mr Bevin, replying, said he did not minimise the difficulties and would not give up until the final break came. He had seen many eleventh-hour settlements, but if he hadi eventually to say he could- not reach a settlement the Government would have to review its policy.' It had been a big handicap to have everything said) (even in sub-commit-tees) reported in the Press. He did not want secrecy in negotiations, but the delegates could hardly think without having it headlined. The blame lay largely in the United States Press. Mr Bevin said he hoped it would be possible to conclude an early peace treaty with Japan. Britain would keep in close touch with the Commonwealth Governments about this. Britain would not attempt to appease Egypt at the expense of the Sudanese. He hoped France would not insist on claiming a permanent enlargement of the Saar, which he was certain would delay quick settlement.

Britain would not return the Senussi to Italian rule. Referring to suggestions that Britain was not interested in the Far East, Mr Bevin said that, on the contrary, Britain had taken the initiative in organising the prevention of famine in Southeast Asia and the Far East, and her prompt action in Indonesia had saved millions of lives. Britain had a liaison mission in Japan, and representatives all over China. Mr Bevin said he was happy to endorse the tributes paid to General MacArthur. When Mr Bevin made further reference to the Anglo-American zone fusion arrangements, Mr Eden interrupted! and' said he had believed everything was now agreed on. Mr Bevin explained that they had worked! out the administrative _ side for the setting up of zonal agencies, but they still had to establish a bi-zonal economic council, which would have the force of law. General Robertson was now discussing the matter with General Clay. The details had! to be worked out and then referred to Washington.