The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES" GISBORNE, TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1945. THE ALLIES IN BERLIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21755, 3 July 1945, Page 2

The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES" GISBORNE, TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1945. THE ALLIES IN BERLIN

The preparations being made for the march of the main bodies of the British, American and French occupation forces into Berlin are a reminder to the Germans that the Allie have no intention of sparing them any of the lessons of defeat. The United Nations realise that the psychological outlook of their former powerful enemy can still be a source of danger. The occupation of the whole of Germany has had to be undertaken, but perhaps the most essential task of all is a combined display of well-disciplined force ir Berlin itself, the capital of the country and the heart and nerve centre of Prussianism.

Apart from its convincing effect on Germans who may be encouraged by underground conspirators to believe that the Wehrmacht did not sustain lasting defeat in battle and that thcnation's chance for conquest will come again in a third wdrld• war, the occupation arrangements should help to foster a still stronger atmosphere of friendliness and mutual respec. among the units of the Allied armies represented. These picked men car. be the finest ambassadors Of goedwi! capable of being thrust into the European limelight. Led by officers thoroughly aware of the importance of' their trust; the troops of the victorious Powers should have little difficulty in getting' together in r manner which will dispel for evei any, lingering hope the Germans may have that it is still possible" to sow discord among them. Allied prisoners who have escapee from Germany through Russia and Poland have had some sorry tales tc tell about their treatment at the hands of Red Army units. Although harshness and distrust will not have been a general experience, there has been sufficient evidence of the darker episodes to cause disappointment among those who earnestly desire close co-operation between all ranks of the United Nations’ military forces. Russia, under a regime which appears to have served her well, has reached an astounding pinnacle of power and prestige, but it is understandable thstt national elevation has not. in the case of all her many'millions, carried with '.t complete individual enlightenment on the attitude of the democracies towards the Soviet Union. Propaganda faults on both sides may have been responsible for this and also recent misunderstandings concerning Allied treatment of Russians found fighting with, the Germans. Whatever the position has been and is to-day, no pains should be spared to clear the air for once and all and make joint victory in peace as much a reality as joint victory in war. Difficulties over political systems should not be thrust into the foreground. Sir Stafford Cripps claims that a Labour Party in power in Britain would do more towards cementing relations with Russia than the Conservatives. This would not necessarily be so. Sir Stafford himself was never an outstanding' success ;iri Moscow. Both Mr. Churchill and Mr. Eden have been well received at the Krbmlin, and it is expounding a dangerous political theme to suggest that, if their party is returned to power, it would constitute something in the nature of a check to the smooth development of ffood relations with the Soviet Union, without which future peace could at best be uneasy. “•