SOVIET POLICY TO BLAME, BEVIN STATES

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 February 1950, Page 5

SOVIET POLICY TO BLAME, BEVIN STATES

LONDON, February 15 (Rec. 1 p.m.).-—Britain would be ready to enter into discussions on abolishing the possibility of war if Russia showed the slightest change in her attitude, said the Foreign Secretary, Mr Erndst Bevin, .. in an election broadcast tonight.

Although making no direct reference to Mr Churchill’s call for a Big 'Three meeting, Mr Bevin said the problem- of international control of [atomic energy could not be solved by .'“stunt” proposals. , “We must continue to work for .'agreement through the United Na- ' tions Atomic Energy Committee,” he |'said. In this Mr Bevin echoed the ! statement by the Prime Minister, Mr : Attlee, earlier today that the settlcLment of East-West differences must remain in the United Nations. Mr Bevin said that Britain was in constant touch with the Americans on the problems of atomic energy. He added: “In view of the heavy responsibilities which rest with them we must consult them at every step.”

Deliberate Tones

Speaking in deliberate, stolid tones, Mr. Bevin said that every effort made by Britain and America to get international control had failed. “Russia is a closed book and at present her people are being more cut off than ever, but, if peace is her objective, as it is ours, the inspection and control of atomic energy is not too great a price to pay.” Mr Bevin added that the Labour Party would continue its foreign policy of the past five years if reelected. “We will try to build up security wherever we can expand trade, give assistance where possible, and, if Russia shows the slightest change of attitude and indicates a readiness to settle these relationships and give the world complete peace, then we shall be ready to enter into discussions with the object of abolishing the- possibility of war, enabling all nations to co-operate with each other.”Mr Bevin said that little had been done in the past to develop colonial territories, but the Labour Government had spent considerable sums in scientific research, development, education, culture, and health to raise the standards of life in the colonies and bring them nearer to self-government. “With the Dominions also there has been constant discussions and cooperative efforts of many kinds,” Mr Bevin added. . Months Of Endeavour

Britain’s proposals on Germany would have allowed her to get on her feet and return to the comity of nations, but agreement could not be reached, with Russia after months of endeavour. Everything seemed hopeless after the London meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers in 1947| “We had .therefore, to act, in concert with those friends, with whom we could agree, to provide a measure of safety for these islands and for each other.” ' Mr Bevin said there had been great changes in the Middle and Far East. “Our objective has always been the fullest co-operation between the East and the West. We are all interdependent, one upon another. The Commonwealth countries of Europe, i the Western Hemisphere, and Asia must stand together if they are to survive. I feel that this solidarity [will ultimately be achieved.”