ALLIES’ POLICY

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 September 1943, Page 5

ALLIES’ POLICY

THREE POWER CONFERENCE LONDON, August 31. The long-awaited conference between Britain, America and Russia seems to be taking clearer shape, says “The Times’s” Diplomatic Correspondent. All the Governments agree that no time should be lost and the conference should be really formative and constructive with powers to examine every major European problem which they can see at present or anticipate. Mr. Eden to-day, saw Mr. Maisky and Mr. Winant. Preparatory work may continue for some days. It appears agreed that the feeling should be on the foreign secretary level, Mr. Eden to represent Britain, Mr. Molotov possibly to represent the Soviet, and Mr. Hopkins or Mr. Winant to represent the United States. LONDON PRESS COMMENTS. (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) (Rec. 1.45 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 31. Interest in British-American-Rus-sian relations has now veered to the date when the three Power talks will be held. Whatever the offiical assurances that the relations are basically good, behind the screen of diplomatic activity, the fact remains that the speculations of the public, and among those whom some rather sourly call congenial critics, are not improving matters. It is hoped, therefore, that something concrete will come from Air. Eden's talks with Mr. Maisky and Mr. Winant that may lead the way to clearing the air and establishing a better understanding—publicly as well as privately. It is not only the question of opening a second front that requires discussing, but also political policy. This question of a second front has been reopened by Russian newspaper comment. For instance, “Pravda” declared that a shattering blow against Germany can scarcely be imagined without the use of the tremendous strategic advantage of the British Isles as the main base for invasion, and points out that England was saved from the threat of invasion by the Soviet Union and that after the Russian-German war started England got the chance to mobilise for war economy. Such comment drew from “The Times” a remark that the revival of the second front campaign was a psychological blunder, “for strategy cannot be directed by popular debate.” There is also the comment that if a second front resulted in Germany withdrawing 60 divisions from the East, then the Germans must have made inaccurate calculations for already they have between 20 and 40 divisions in the West, and that it would be bold to assume that they have miscalculated to such an extent.

On the political side there is a divergent view of the position of the Poles, from whose Government in London the Russians withdrew recognition last year without consultation with Britain and America, while recently Britain and America recognised the French Committee, leaving the Russians to act independently in the matter, where, says “The Times,” joint simultaneous action could well be arranged. There is also the question of what part the three Powers are going to take in organising the security of post-war Europe. The coming six weeks are regarded as most important for, as “The Observer” . points out, “the end of these six weeks will cither see all the Allies together in sight of victory or a serious crisis in confidence between the Russian and Western Allies. Which it is to be depends, at this juncture, almost entirely on our ability to wage a successful war with political as well as military arms.”