Marshall Describes World Situation As 'Very, Very Serious'

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 March 1948, Page 6

Marshall Describes World Situation As 'Very, Very Serious'

-ft. LONDON, March, ii. Czcchosiovaltia was “under a reign of terror’? and the world situation was “very, very serious,” said the United States Secretary •of State (General G. C. Marshall) at a press conference in WashingGeneral Marshall frequently went “off the record” in his talks with correspondents, but took the unusual step of allowing himself to be quoted verbatim on one point after a reporter had suggested that great fears had been aroused over:the Czechoslovak. crisis and over the pessihiUty of the Communists winning tjie Italian elections on April 18, • • ‘ I

General Marshall said: “I think.you correctly describe the situation, There, is also considerable passion of view by a great many people in this country (the United States). The situation is very,very serious. It is regrettable that passions are aroused totthe degree they are. It is tragic to have things happen like those in Czc eh or lo va kin, pa riici iI a rly regarding some of the officials there, as in the affair today of Mr Masaryk.

Reign Of Terror. “It. all indicates very plainly what is going on. It is a reign of terror in Czechoslovakia, not an ordinary due process of government by the people. General Marshall said that he had not yet received any formal report from the United States Ambassador in Prague about the nature of-Mr Masaryk’s death, _ Th? Canadian Minister of External Affairs (Mr Louis St Laurent) told th? House of Commons that the Canadian Government endorsed in every respect die condemnation of the Gottwald Government by Britain. Franco, and the United States on -February 26. The United Press says that the announcement marks anew phase in Canada’s relations with Czechoslovakia. While Mr Masaryk lived, the Canadian Government hoped that he might salvage the remnants of democracy in Czechoslovakia, and it was reticent about openly condemning the

Gottwald regime. • Pretence Shattered The New York Times says: “Luke a flash of lightning piercing the night, the death of Mr Masaryk has shattered the last sorry pretence thrown round the Russian-Communist conquest of Czechoslovakia and illuminates the. prodigious catastrophe now taking place behind the Iron Curtain. “What the mass tragedy of millions because of its very vastness was unable to convey to the human mind has, been-made comprehensible in the poignant tragedy of a single individual who stands for millions of his fellow victims. “The stunning shocks of the event is • bound to have repercussions, the ultimate effects of which are still incalculable..”

“For the second time in 10 years Prague has been conquered by a harsh and alien system,” says The Times, “This is an ugly truth to be looked straight in the face. There can be no compromise in principle between the philosophies of individual freedom and dictatorship. _ “The many who knew and loved Mr Masaryk in Britain and America could not picture that gay and fiery spirit and good European serving except with a broken heart in a State hushed into fearful silence and among friends who yesterday .were free meh and who must now wonder daily Which chair will next be empty.”