U.S.-BRITISH POLICY AND RUSSIA“HANDS OFF MIDDLE EAST” WARNING

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 May 1950, Page 5

U.S.-BRITISH POLICY AND RUSSIA—“HANDS OFF MIDDLE EAST” WARNING

LONDON, May 19 (Rec 10 a.m.). —Britain and the United States, in official statements which have been interpreted as a “hands-off-the-Middle East” warning to Russia, today reaffirmed their interest in the independence, integrity and security of Greece, Turkey and Persia. The statements were issued by the British Foreign Secretary, Mr Ernest Bevin, and the American Secretary of State, Mr Dean Acheson, after the historic Atlantic Pact talks in London. Reuter says that diplomatic quarters considered the two declarations a co-ordinated, carefully-considered act of policy designed to warn Russia against any renewal of pressure in the Middle East. They were issued, it was felt, to make it clear both to the Greek, Persian and Turkish Governments and to the Soviet Union that the ment of the Atlantic community did not imply any sort of Atlantic isolationism.”

Mr Bevin, alter referring to the “gratifying” economic developments in Greece, Turkey and Persia, said: “His Majesty’s" Government is determined to continue its policy of direct support to these and to other countries which are striving, through military and economic efforts, to safeguard their independence and territorial integrity.” . . . Mr Acheson, on leaving Britain for the United States, said that America continued to be vitally concerned with the security of areas outside the North Atlantic community, especially Greece, Turkey and Persia. U.S. Interest He added: “I wish to reaffirm the deep interest of the United States Government in the security of Greece, Turkey and Persia, and our determination to continue our policy of supporting these and other countries, which are _ striving through military and economic efforts to safeguard their independence and territorial integrity.” He was returning, he said, with the feeling that the free nations of the West were making progress along the road leading towards the universal goal of peace. He was encouraged by the progress made in the North Atlantic Council and in the last 10 days. “The recent meeting has shown that there is no issue of concern _to the free nations of the world which cannot be frankly discussed and on which broad agreement cannot be reached,” he added. “We are going forward with the job of creating conditions of security and of increased economic and social well-being of the world.”

Governments that the United States has a continuing interest and stake in European affairs which will not end with the termination of the •European recovery programme in 1952.” / . n Mr Acheson added that the United States and Canada had stated their readiness to participate in what he expected would be the development of co-operation between the two countries of North America and the countries of Europe.” “Vitally Concerned” Mr Bevin, in his statement, declared that the recent London discussions had included the re-examina-tion of the position of certain countries not in the North Atlantic Council—notably Greece, Turkey and Persia—whose security “is a matter of special concern.” Mr Bevin reaffirmed that the British Government remained “vitally concerned in the independence, integrity and security of Greece, Turkey and Persia.” He was convinced that the strengthening of the North Atlantic Treaty would be conducive to that end.”

Mr Acheson continued: “I have used this occasion to inform other