BRITAIN’S POLICY

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 September 1943, Page 5

BRITAIN’S POLICY

MR. EDEN REPLIES TO CRITICS UNDERSTANDING WITH RUSSIA RUGBY, September 22. “Broadly, our interests do not clash and all our interests are in peace,” Mr. Eden declared when answering criticism in his reply to the debate on the war in the Commons. “We want to build a peace system that will endure, backed by the necessary authority to prevent a recurrence of these scourging wars.” Mr. Greenwood (Labour) said there was the sincerest desire that after the war there should be the closest possible, relations between Britain, the United. States, and the Soviet. He appreciated the possibility of differences arising between the United States and the Soviet; some, indeed, were already apparent, but not the greatest empire in the world could, after this war, live unto itself alone.

Referring to Britain’s attitude towards Italy, he said the United Nations had appealed to the Italians to join in the task of ridding Italy of the Germans and liberating the country. He urged that liberation should mean the opposite to the Germans’ conception of “liberation.” and said that “liberty” should be emblazoned on all the flags of the nations advancing against the enemy. Other members criticised the bombing of Milan and Turin after the fall of Mussolini; also Mr. Churchill’s absence from England, They also criticised the United Nations for treating with Badoglio and Victor Emmanuel. Mr. Eden said the kind of government they wanted to see in Italy was one as broadly based as possible, including all elements and parties of an anti-Fascist character. They would do their best to bring that about and anyone prepared to help in the fight against Hitler would be welcomed. The delivery of the Italian Fleet was honestly and courageously carried out. In Corsica French and Italian troops were fighting together successfully against the Germans. Mr. Eden said he agreed absolutely entirely with Mr. Greenwood that they should seek the closest collaboration with the Soviet. That was the policy of the British Government and it would be persisted in. When it was said there could be no collaboration not based on confidence he agreed, but confidence could not be created by one side alone. He was satisfied the British Government had nothing to reproach itself with in the matter. Concerning the criticism of the

BOMBING OF ITALY being continued after the armistice, Mr. Eden said: “The first Italian envoy arrived in Madrid on August 15. We first received a telegram about it on August 16. He arrived in Lisbon on August 17. Our negotiations began on August 18 to August 19—the first day we knew there were people who had some credentials to negotiate. The last occasion of the bombing of Milan was the night ot August 15-16. The last occasion of the bombing of Turin was the night of August 16-17. Our information had been extremely accurate. We judged the Italians would not fight, and we judged aright. I had grave doubts whether they might not fight.” Speaking of Russia. Mr. Eden said that if there had not been as many personal exchanges by leading persons as we would like it was fair to say we had made more than our share of efforts to meet our Allies. “With that spirit we shall approach the problems. If we are to understand one another we must be frank. I have always believed in intensely close and intimate relations between this country and Russia. I believe them to be essential to defeat the enemy and for lasting peace when the struggle is over. We shall have different points of view, but broadly the interests of this country, the British Commonwealth, the United States, the U.S.S.R.. and China are the same. In a few weeks I shall be going to meet my opposite numbers with the determination to do everything to reach a generous measure ol understanding on all problems so we can best prepare the way lor that greater event —a meeting between Mr Stalin, President Roosevelt, and our Prime Minister. If we approach the meeting in the spirit of understanding of each other’s point of view, and with candour, I believe we shah best prepare for the final understanding. If we can do that even the horrors of this war will not have been in vain. It is to that work we set our hands.” EMPIRE PREMIERS. LONDON. September 22. Mr. Churchill told the House ol Commons that an important and immediate objective of the British Goyernment was to bring about a meeting of Empire Prime Ministers, it was understood that this was more likely to be acceptable than an Imperial Conference. He hoped tne meeting would take place some time next year.