CRIMEAN TALKS

Grey River Argus, 1 March 1945, Page 5

CRIMEAN TALKS

MR CHURCHILL S SPEECH Commons Debate 8.0.W. RUGBY, Feb. 27. The Commons was crowded ana received the Prime Minister with prolonged cheering when he initiated the debate on the Crimea Conference. He moved: That this House, approves the declaration of the joint policy agreed to by the three Great Powers at the Crimea Conference, i and in particular welcomes their determination to maintain unity of action not only in achieving the final defeat of the common enemy, but thereafter in peace as in war.” Mr. Greewood said some members of the Commons may have “certain mental reservations” on parts of Mr. Churchill’s ' speech and the Crimea Conference. There seems no doubt that the Prime Minister will get the vote he desires approving the decisions taken at Yalta. Mr. Churchill seemed tired when he opened the three-day debate, which he regarded as one of the most important throughout the war. Before lunch Mr. Churchill s delivery was punctuated by frequent pauses, reiteration of phrases and substitution of words. After lunch, perhaps sensing his speech was being well received, he was morel in his usual form, raising many bursts oi amusement, especially w'hen he enjoyed reporting his visit to Athens and “complete vindication” of the Government’s policy in Greece. There was decidedly a different atmosphere in the House when he had risen in the morning. It drew from Mr. Greenwood, who followed, the admission that he had rarely listened to a more masterful speech from the Premier. . . It seems likely that the criticisms in the debate will centre on Poland. There is apparently a feeling in Westminster that some of this may be based not so much on pro-Polish feelings but upon anti-Russian policy in Poland. Roman Catholic views are particularly bitter. Of Mr. Churchill’s views on Russian good faith there is no room for doubt, and it will be surprising if any serious opposition now develops to the motion which is in his name and those of Mr. Attlee, Mr. Eden. Sir A. Sinclair and Mr. Brown. Mr. Churchill began by saying the result of the Crimea Conference constituted an act of faith on which Parliament should formally express an opinion. His Majesty’s Government felt it had the right to know where it stood with the House of Commons. At Crimea, the three Great Powers agreed on the solution of the difficult question of voting procedure to which no answer had been found at Dumbarton Oaks. He regretted he could not state particulars of the solution, but the Great Powers thought they should consult both France and China, and effectively secure their acceptance before the formula was published. This difficulty has to be faced. It was on the great Powers that the chief burden of maintaining peace and security would fall. The new world organisation must take into account this special responsibility of the great Powers, and must be so framed as not to compromise their unity or capacity for effective action if it were called for at short notice. We trust that the voting procedure on which we agreed at Yalta provides a system, which is fair and acceptable. San Francisco will bring together all those representatives of the United Nations who declared war on Germany or Japan by March 1, and who signed the United Nations’ Conference Declaration. Our future will be consolidated and enriched by the participation of these powers. ' Together with the former members we should take opening steps to form a world organisation, which it is hoped ultimately, and m due course, all States will belong. It is to this strongly armed body we look to prevent wars of aggression or preparation for such wars, and enable disputes between States, both great and small, to be adjusted by peaceful, lawful means, by persuasion, by pressure of public opinion, by legal methods, and eventually by another category of methods which constitute the principles of this orgi anisation. The former League of Nations was so hardly ever used, and was found to be inadequate for the task it attempted. It wifi be replaced by a far stronger body in which the United States will play a vitally imoortant part. It will embody much of the structure and characteristics of its predecessor, but the new body will differ from it in essential points. It will not shirk from establishing its will against the evil-doer or evil planner in good time, and by force of arms. This organisation which is capable of continued progress and development is appropriate to the phase in which the world will enter after our present enemies have been beaten down, and we can have good hopes. It should shield humanity from a third renewal of its agony. We are determined to do all in our power to ensure the success of the conference. ~ , Mr. Eden and Mr. Attlee would be Britain’s chief representatives at San Francisco, Germany had little hope of creating a division among the Allies. / ~ , . . . Mr. Churchill paid a glowing tribute to Mr. Eden. He stressed the grave sense of responsibility which he felt at Yalta. It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time. He said: “The ties that joined the three Powers together and their mutual comprehension of each other have grown. The United States has entered deeply and constructively into the life and salvation of Europe. We have all} three set our hands to far-reaching engagements at once practical and solemn. Umted we have the power to lead the world into prosperity, freedom and happiness. The Great P'owers must seek to serve. Joined with other States, both large and small, we may found a large world organisation which armed with ample powers, will guard the rights of all States, great and small, from aggression and from the gathering of means of aggression. The lights burn brighter and will shine more broadly than ever before. Let us walk forward together,” the Prime Minister ended, amid prolonged applause. He said: France is to be invited to take over a zone of occupation in Germany, which we will immediately proceed to define with her, and to a seat on the Allied Control Commission in Germany, which will regulate the whole affairs of the country after unconditional surrender has been obtained. France is to be invited to join the United States, Britain and Soviet and China in sponsoring the invitation to the San Francisco conference. She is invited to join with the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union in operating the procedure laid down in the declaration on liberated Europe. France is also a member of the European Advisory Commission to whom the most important functions have been relegated, including advice to Governments upon most important matters conneerned with the treatment of Germany. . The Commission, with French assistance, has already completed in great detail, all terms upon

which unconditional surrender will be received and accepted Everything K provided for and if we were confronted to-morrow with the collapse of German power, there is nohffie that has not been foreseen and ~ e ?e jAtance the role France is desFn ffinv in the settlement of t ned to p } re f erre d with satisfae<Ur°PtA Narifying tal ks with the French Foreign Minister (M. .Bidault) during the week-end.