Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1942. BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 May 1942, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1942. BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

gTR Stafford Cripps was pro-Russian even in the days before Hitler’s attack, and this, was one of the reasons why he was sent to Moscow to be Britain’s Ambassador, when Anglo-Soviet relations were less cordial than these are now. Since his departure from Russia, Sir Stafford has frequently expressed his admiration for the Russian people and army, and has worked to develop Anglo-Soviet friendship. He, however, insists on a sense of proportion being maintained, and in a recent speech in London, after declaring it was vital that the youth of Great Britain and Russia should work together in a common partnership with the youth of China. America and of oppressed European countries. said: “We must not make our outlook on the future too narrow by overconcentration on Anglo-Soviet friendship. We are filled with enthusiasm and gratitude for the magnificent exploits ol the Soviet forces.’! He added this warning: “Indiscriminate hero-worship is both stupid and enervating. ” Those who have never been nearer Moscow than, say, New Zealand, might well take this warning to heart, and not outRussian the Russians in their zeal for out Ally. In reply to allegations by some in Britain that the British people had been leaning back lazily and hoping someone else will win the war lor them, it was pointed out that Britain had held the fort, alone, for over a year, and that within a few months of the entry of Russia into the war Britain was agreeing to turn over half the total output of important weapons of war to the Soviet, while at the same time equipping her own armies at home and abroad, ami throwing in the equpimmit of a Bolish army in Russia as a sideline. Stalin and other Soviet leaders have gratefully admitted the quantity and quality of the aid given to Russia by Britain. Although desirous ol having a “second front’’ initiated on the European Continent by Anglo-I’.S.A. forces, the Russians realise the difficulties, and are content to leave the decision of when and where to their Allies, who. meanwhile, are doing their best on land, sea and air. to relieve the Russians of German pressure. In this, the Anglo-U.S.A. efforts have been successful.

Russia. herself, follows a policy ol lacing the facts, and does not permit her sympathies to run away with her. Although her Allies are hard pressed by the .Japanese, and would welcome Russian active assistance in this section of the war, the Soviet not only maintains strict neutrality with Japan, but avoids anything that would seriously offend the Japanese. For example, it was announced, yesterday, that Russia was not willing to permit the delivery of much-needed planes to her through Siberia, because of Japanese objections. Russia believes it is not m her interest, at present, to induce Japanese hostility. This is a question for Russia to decide. The Allies do not resent the Russian prudence, however much they may regret the decision, as adding to their own difficulties. If it is right for Russia to continue to be realist. Britain should not be condemned because she desires some degree of her own safeguarding before launching on a second front on the Continent. Mr. Churchill and others have definitely promised that such offensive will be started at the earliest opportune moment. Meanwhile. ultra-Russian sympathisers in our midst should keep quiet. They have no monopoly of the admiration for the Russian exploits and endurance, nor are they alone in recognising the value to the Allies’ cause that the Russian resistance to Hitler has been. Such resistance is, of course, primarily to save Russia from the Nazi yoke. It is gratifying to all to note the success of the Red Army in the recent fighting, and it is to be hoped that further crushing blows will be inflicted on the German invaders.