RUSSIA’S DEMANDS

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 July 1945, Page 5

RUSSIA’S DEMANDS

USE OF DARDANELLES (Rec 12 noon) PARIS, July 19. The Russian language newpaper, “Russian News,” which interprets the official Soviet viewpoint states that Russia at present is primarily interested. firstly, in the Far East, secondly, the Near East,; and, thirdly, in-;, international air transport. . WThe paper says that in the Near East and the Persian Gulf, the interests of the British Empire and the Soviet must be adjusted. Russia must be able to send her fleet fiom one sea to another. It has always been difficult for her to accept that her action should be circumscribed by the decision of a third Power to open or close the Straits. The least Russia can expect to-day is to be able •to navigate the Dardanelles without impediment, and guard thenr with Turkey, Russia, faced the problem of organising maritime bases on all hei communication routes. THE VATICAN'S ATTITUDE. (Rec. CITY, July 19. The Church could not approve the Soviet Union because there was no religious freedom in Russia, declared “Osservatcre Romano,” in a leader. The present constitution of Russia, although permitting freedom ol thought, prohibited religious propaganda. The Church, therefore, could not be favourable toward a civil Power which refused to render the Church this justice. RUSSIA AND RUMANIA. (Recd. 11.10 a.m.) / z LONDON. July 19. The Bucharest radio announced that Marshal Tolbukhin. Commander of the Soviet Forces in Southern Europe presented King Michael with the diamond-studded Ordeer of Victory at a ceremony held at the Royal Palace. Ten thousand people cheered the King and Marshal Tolbukhin when they appeared on the balcony.