GRANDPA IVAN

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 November 1939, Page 5

GRANDPA IVAN

RUSSIA BACK IN EUROPE. “Grandpa Ivan has come back,” the Balkan Slavs say. And x he certainly has, writes Mr R. H. Markham, in the “Christian Science Monitor.” “Grandpa Ivan” is Russia, as “Uncle Sam” is America. Russia is the great Slav State, the traditional champion of all the Slav nations. When the Slav Montenegrins, who comprised abou,t 250,000 people, were asked as to their number, they used to reply, “We and the Russians are SO,000,000.” All the Slavs of South-east Europe and even of Central Europe—in fact, practically all the Slavs in the world except the Poles—have looked upon Russia, as their defender. Altogether, there aro about 207,000,000 Slavs. They are increasing rapidly ill number, and by 1950 may constitute half of all the people on the Continent. Approximately 152,000,000 are found in Russia, 20,000,000 n the Balkans, and 11,000,000 in former CzechoslovakiaSince the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, signed in 191 S, Russia had been almost eliminated from Europe. Practically all the other countries were pleased to htve Russia keep out. Turkey alone co-operated with the Soviets heartily; France, reluctantly. The most vehement opponents of all were the Nazis and tho Fascists. They even formed an anti-Comintern Pact, designed exclusively to eliminate Russia. But now the Nazis have brought “Grandpa Ivan” back to the heart of Europe. This is an event of. Very great importance,, which may restore to Europe a balance and equilibrium.