AMERICAN OPINIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 August 1939, Page 7

AMERICAN OPINIONS

SOVIET DUPLICITY SUSPECTED IS IT “GRANDSTAND PLAY”? [by CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPY RIG LIT.) WASHINGTON, August 21. Official circles were startled by the German and Russian move and express the opinion that it will spur Mr. Roosevelt’s drive to amvid the Neutrality Act in favour of Britain and France. There is some scepticism as to whether the non-aggression pact will actually be completed. It is felt that the Soviet may be endeavouring to force Britain and France to meet her demands for an outright military alliance. It is felt in some quarters that the aggression will be passive and not aggressive, and it is pointed out that it is merely a reiteration, because the non-aggression pact signed in 1926 has not been denounced. The “New York Times,” in a leading article says: “If the step was long contemplated it seems strange that M. Stalin went to such elaborate lengths of duplicity in initiating the military staff talks‘with Britain and France. It would be stranger, in view of the Russian reserves and suspicions, if the move were a sudden decision. It may still turn out to be a grandstand play in the game of playing one side off against the other. “If it is a real agreement, it is an event of the utmost gravity. It is easy to imagine M. Stalin, as he surveys the sharpening struggle between the Fascist and democratic Powers, resolving to let them fight it out. A weakenen and. perhaps, exhausted Europe would hasten the end of the capitalistic system and offer fertile grounds for the spread of a proletarian revolution Meanwhile the Soviet could turn with assurance eastwards and stiffen her attitude against Japan.” ’ American manufacturers, fearing war, have pushed up their production of aeroplane motors for France to 400 monthly. The neutrality laws would preclude further shipments in the event of France becoming involved in war. So far 616 motors have been shipped out of 1345 ordered.