RUSSIAN POLICY

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 December 1946, Page 7

RUSSIAN POLICY

• 7 ■ . More Accommodating' Spirit . ENCOURAGING SIGNS . ■ , [N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.] (Reed. 10 a.m.) LONDON, December 2. British newspapers note further signs of a more accommodating spirit on the part of the Soviet in the various international negotiations now in progress. The Observer points out that the agreement upon the proposals for the taking of an international troops’ census represents the first major postwar compromise among the Great Powers, and the first tangible achievement of UNO. In addition, such encouraging progress has been made with the problem of Trieste that many observers now consider the completion of the five satellite peace treaties is virtually z nssured. It is noted that on this question Russia, has now made considerable concessions after stonewalling for a year.

It is also noted that in Germany the raising of the provincial administrations in the Russian zone to the status of Governments brings the Russian-controlled area constitutionally into line with the federal reforms in the western zones, and prepares the ground for a united federal Germany—another proposal hitherto strongly opposed by the Russians. . , Another encouraging development is the news that a conference of Socialist parties from the central European countries will be held in Budapest in January. It is reported that Austria, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Rumania, Jugoslavia, and Bulgaria will all be represented. An interesting point about this conference, which has as its avowed object the establishment of a united economy front among all Danubian Socialist parties is that it obviously could not be held without Russian approval. London commentators point out that hitherto the Russians have discouraged any effort to form a united Socialist front in the countries of the eastern bloc, particularly if such a front tacitly excludes Communists.

Russia and Germany. These new developments suggest that Russia may now be preparing to accept a federal united Germany, and even an economically united central Europe, thus creating a buffer neutral area between Russia proper and the west. Whatever construction is placed upon the recent softening of the Russian attitude it is considered that greater co-operation between Russia and the west, as a measure of insurance against the risks implicit in a German revival, is also to be expected. , ~ , The Economist describes these developments as “a sudden, partial melting of the ice on the frost-bound river of peace,” and claims that the progress now reported from the Foreign Ministers’ conference is the first really encouraging, symptom ;Qi international convalescence.” It points out, however, that in the process of international bargaining delay is recognised as a method of obtaining better terms, and that, therefore, it is necessary to reckon with the possibility that Russia may feel better able to do without a settlement than the Western Poweis. In Britain and America the public wants a quick return to normal, peaceful, civilian Jife, and may hold its leaders accountable if it does not ®et it, whereas the Soviet Government, which controls all means of publicity and. self expression in the Soviet Union, need not fear the political consequences of a breakdown in negotiations. Public Opinion in Russia. “Recently, however,” concludes The Economist, “there have been signs that Russia’s economic difficulties are making its intransigent foreign policy an increasing strain upon the State, and that there is in Russia an inchoate, popular desire for a relaxation of the tension, which may become too strong to be ignored. The British press, generally, has also derived encouragement from Mr. P. J. Noel-Baker’s profession of faith in the success of UNO, when he returned last week from America. He also pointed out that in the last two weeks the Russian attitude in the UNO Assembly had bepn more conciliatory and constructive than ever before. , ... ~ The Daily Telegraph diplomatic correspondent in New York pays a tribute to the work of Mr. Bevin m the Foreign Ministers’ Council. it is fair to say,” he states, that Mr. Bevin has shown more patience and perseverance than anyone in seeking agreement. On the question of reparations he remained adamant in the face of Russian suggestions, that Jugoslavia should receive more and Greece less, and that the demands upon Bulgaria should be ireduced. He is also strenuously fightin* lor Greece’s right to participate in the settlement of the Danubian_question.