SOVIET’S ATTITUDE

Grey River Argus, 16 January 1941, Page 5

SOVIET’S ATTITUDE

NO HELPER OF BRITAIN Moscow and Bulgaria

(British Official Wireless] (Received January 15, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, January 14. Categorical terms in which the Soviet Government, through its ollicial Tass News Agency, denied that the question of German troops in Bulgaria has ever been raised with Moscow, has been noted and fully accepted by Britain. No other implications are read into the announcement. Its effect, however, is not regarded as any sensational challenge to Germany. There is no disposition in official quarters to discuss where the Soviet interests lie in regard to the matter.

The incident is examined against the background of recent history in certain of the newspapers, and, although the “Manchester Guardian ’ expressed the view that “if almost looks as if a showdown between Germany and the Soviet Union can hardly be avoided in the near future.” this view is not shared elsewhere. The “Daily Mail” regards the Soviet statement as, at most, a note of discord. It adds: “We should not, however, interpret this sharp comment as any further evidence of strained relations. Rumours of dissension as between Moscow and Berlin should be treated with reserve. The source of such rumours should be regarded with suspicion. It cannot be too often stressed that Russia has no interest in ending this war quickly. Certainly, she has no intention of coming into it herself. She is not out to help Britain, arid those who believe contrary inhabit a fool's paradise.”