Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1944. RUSSIA’S DAY?

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 November 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1944. RUSSIA’S DAY?

yWENTY-SEVEN years ago, to-day, the military revolt took place in Russia which resulted in the formation of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics. Opposed at home and abroad, the new organisation had no easy task, but determination and ruthlessness, gradually established the Union, and to-day, Russia is accepted as one of the world’s greatest Powers. Much happened in the past 27 years to cause suspicion of Russian intentions, but some of these misunderstandings have been removed, and Russia is less feared as a menace to democracy and liberty, although she continues to be ruled on dictatorial lines. So long as she refrains from propaganda and inciting industrial unrest abroad, how Russia is ruled is a matter for the Russians. To-day, realisation of Russia’s great aid in the task to overthrow Hitlerism is uppermost in the thoughts of most of the United Nations. This aid was primarily self-defence and was not forthcoming until Russia was herself attacked, but the fact cannot be gainsaid .that it is partly to Russian resistance, endurance and resources that German military power is now at its last gasp. Britain and U.S.A, have done even more to defeat the common foe, but to-day is Russia’s festival, and her part in the world struggle must be featured. New Zealand will endorse Mr. Fraser’s message of goodwill, and it is to be hoped that every year as Russia’s national day recurs, there will be good reason for acclaiming Russia and that the debt due to her efforts during this war will be augmented by even greater work by her for true freedom and progress in the peace-time to come. With an area of over eight million square miles and a, population estimated at 170 millions. Russia is obviously an international force that will command respect and not a little fear. However, there are other great Powers, and no single country can dictate to the world, as this war has proved. Russia has been so hard hit by the great struggle that it will take a generation or two for her to recover, and by that time the whole international outlook may have been drastically changed. Meanwhile, Russian good faith must be accepted, and co-operation offered by former critics. The Anglo-Russian alliance is a foundation for a new world order, and with the U.S.A, becoming a partner in fact, if not in documentary form, world peace and prosperity should not be a mere drcam. The happy prospect can be shattered by self-seeking by any of the Big Three, but the leaders in each country must realise that such policy does not really pay. Russia has demonstrated that she will hot meekly accept policies advocated by her friends, and it will require patience and tact to work with hei. Already, much has been achieved in this direction, and there is cause for optimism rather than despair. ]\lany agitators take Moscow’s name in vain, and Russia should not be blamed for the misdeeds of these doubtful friends.