Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1944. MR. CHURCHILL’S RETURN.

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 January 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1944. MR. CHURCHILL’S RETURN.

JITTER nearly three months’ absence, ; Mr. Churchill has returned to London. ; lie demonstrated his recovery from his recent illness by immediate attendance at the Commons sitting. Apart from per- : sonal grounds, there will be Empire-wide gratification at the news of Mr. Churchill’s return, because it is a serious matter for the Prime Minister to be away from headquarters so long. It is true that he was in constant touch with London all the

time, but no communication facilities, however comprehensive, can equal personal attendance. Apparently, Mr. Churchill was not in the best of health when he left England, and the terrific mental and physical strain of his conferences and travels, may have brought on a revival of the pneumonia that previously in the year had troubled him. Pie has been urged to take things easier, and it would be in Empire, as well as his own, interests if he took this advice. Air. Roosevelt is also suffering from overwork, and would be wise to heed Nature’s warnings. Air. Churchill returns to Whitehall when the leader’s presence is needed. The forthcoming invasion of the Continent will be the main subject for his attention, and this, in itself, will tax his energies. Relations with Russia require careful handling, the hostile attitude adopted by Moscow to the Polish Government in London, and the publicity given by the Moscow Press to alleged Anglo-German ‘‘peace negotiations” showing the direction of the prevailing wind. Air. Churchill’s interview with Air. Stalin at Teheran will help him to appreciate the Russian viewpoint, without unduly sacrificing other allies to placa|p the Soviet Government. Russia’s great work against Germany, and her strength and resources, entitle her to respect, but a sense of proportion must be retained, and it will not be in Russia’s own best interests to wax dictatorial. Until the Anglo-U.S.A. mass invasion of the Continent takes place, there will be dissatisfaction and suspicion in Russian circles, whose obsession on this matter is understandable.

During-his convalescence “rest,” Mr. Churchill improved Anglo-French relations, which had deteriorated somewhat of late, French susceptibilities having been hurt by references to the lower national prestige and to the disappointment expressed at the limited French military aid to the Allies. Moreover, the tendency of General De Gaulle to assume control of French administration, somewhat prematurely, did not make the position easier. Mr. Churchill’s heart-to-heart talks have borne fruit, and it is expected that fuller French co-operation will be forthcoming both in and out of France. French troops are more active on the Fifth Army’s front. The importance of French assistance when the Anglo-U.S.A. armies enter France is obvious. Not all the French are pro-British, but by this time, most should be anti-German. Little is heard of Petain and Laval, and of French happenings, generally, apart from reports of sabotage, but this does not mean that the country has settled down in passive acceptance of Nazi occupation. Winter is half-way over, and, with the Spring, hopes of release so long held should materialise.