Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1948. War Or No War?

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 October 1948, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1948. War Or No War?

“nri-JE seeming deadlock in the United Na- ■ tions Security Council over the Berlin dispute is the best hope of peace, in the sense that it indicates that an outbreak of war is not imminent. To say that, however, is not to rule out the dangers arising from the fundamental conflict between Democracy and Communism, or to hold that the surface differences between the East and the West are going to be quickly settled.. Nor does it mean that the West should , not prepare and keep itself prepared to meet an onslaught from the East. Wisdom dictates the need.

Conditions ’ at the moment, however, seem suitable for the continuation of that curious game of diplomatic bluff which neither side dares openly to call, at least for the present —the game which we now call the “cold war.” For the first time since the war ■ the West has become “tough.” If we remain “tough,” Russia stands to gain little more; in fact, she stands to lose. In the case of Berlin, despite the fact that Russia has got the West fixed in an awkward situation, she has lost considerable prestige. The “air lift” has impressed the world, and not least that part of it lying, on the .wrong side of the Iron Curtain.. The Germans, including the Germans of Berlin, have plucked up courage to put their trust in the West. And a glimmering of hope has been provided for millions under Russian domination, that their slavery can be ended. The vigorous awakening of any such hopes would mean, the beginnings of a mortal weakness

in European Russia. Obviously, therefore, Russia could hardly be content to maintain a position which is likely to change from being . one of great advantage to one of increasing liability. It is at this stage the choice of action will become decisive. Russia, in those circumstances, could either be forced into making an overall settlement or to declare war. On the firmness and skill with ivhich the West approaches the task will depend the future. It should be clear by now that Russia will be impressed by only one counter in the game; and that counter is our own readiness to face war rather than retreat. Nor will the world derive any lasting advantage from the terms we have been only too ready to offer Russia in-the past. Whatever happens we dare not shut the door on the eventual reopening of the whole question of the status of the once free countries of Eastern and Southern Europe. For these our standard must always remain the principles of the Atlantic Charter and the Four Freedoms.

What has now to be guarded against is any appeasement (even to avoid the terrible alternative of Avar) which Avonld in effect be tantamount to acquiesence in the Russian conquests. To seek to compromise would not only be incompatible with the dignity and responsibility of man but would also be a futile escape. To compromise now could only be to bow to evil and let. it conquer the world, or to make a future Avar inevitable. The chance that firmness will cause Russia to think better of her policy of aggression and bad faith is higher today than it is ever likely to be again. Tn firmness, and firmness alone, lies the best hope of peace. The choice of Avar or no Avar should be Russia’s. To the hopefulness for Avhich the present deadlock gives Avarrant, no matter hoAA 7 small, may be added the hope that the Western Powers, restating their desire for peace, may make plain to Moscoav that aggression has reached the limit and that, in order to arrive at a settlement she must change her policA 7 - Anything less Avould, from the long-term A 7 icAV, be tantamount to capitulation to evil.