SOVIET BID

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1945, Page 5

SOVIET BID

FOR AFRICAN AREAS AND ITALIAN ISLES In the Mediterranean LONDON, September 18. A Press Association correspondent stated: The Council of the Big Five Foreign Ministers has resumed its sittings. It has done so in an atmosphere which has probably been created by London correspondents’ reports published in American papers, concerning the Russian attitude on Italian colonial questions. Though it was agreed when the _ conference opened that only communiques should be issued it appears there has been a series of leakages purporting to give details of Russia’s aspirations in the Mediterranean. These appear circumstantial, and are reported to be based on reliable information. They deciare that Russia is asking for the division of Italian colonies among the Allies, with Russia taking Tripolitama, m North Africa. It is reported that Russia is also asking to be given the Dodecanese Islands in the Eastern Mediterranean, doing so on t he ground that the islands are part of the Dardanelles area. The New Zealand Press Association’s special correspondent states There is a growing discussion as to how much power politics are izoi-ig on at the Council of the Big Five Foreign Ministers, over the discussion of the draft peace treaty for Ita y. There is now the feeling that, the talks somewhat resemble an iceberg in that there is far more below the surface than above. Ono report is that Russia, with an eve on her penetration into the Mediterranean, would like a trusteeship over Tripolitania, or other Italian, colonies, and as part of this policy, is prepared to be firm in support of Yugoslav claims to Trieste. Then there are also reports that Italy is hoping that the colonies mav after all revert to her. in a sense that she mav be appointed to administer them under an international trust. Tins is based on what is described as rather “recklessly stimulated reports”, that America would support such a scheme. One of tic reasons suggested for American support is the prospect that an Italian mandate would be favourable . to American economic penetration. Whether this is merely all newspaper talk is a moot point. There is no doubt that something of a sensation has been caused in diplomatic circles in London by apparently well-informed reports from London appearing in American newspapers crediting Russia with claims to "trusteeship” over Tripolitania, or other Italian colonies, and giving details of discussions on the subject in the Big Five Council of Foreign Ministers last week. i The London “News Chronicle diplomatic correspondent says: “There had been rumours before that the Soviet would like to be gievn the trusteeship over some of the former Italian territories in Africa, and Eritrea has been mentioned specifically in this connection. But the American reports, coming as they did from responsible correspondents, quoting reliable sources, go far beyond anything that has yet been rumoured in connection with Soviet policy in the Mediterranean”. The “News Chronicle” correspondent. continues: The American reports, from responsible correspondents, expand greatly the picture of Soviet plans for penetration into the Mediterranean, which penetration has been built up by Soviet political actions and propaganda—such as the agitation in Northern Persia; the demands on Turkey for Soviet bases in the Straits and Dardanelles: the emphasis in Soviet propaganda on desirability of “a friendly Government” in Turkey; the Russian propaganda attacks on the-Greek Government: and the Soviet, support of the Bulgarian. Macedonian ,and Yugoslav territorial irredentism, directed against Greece and Italy. If these reports are true, they suggest Mr Molotov may be much firmer in his support of Yugoslav claims to Trieste than hitherto had been expected, concluded the correspondent.

Molotov’s Admission •NORTH AFRICAN ASPIRATIONS. ALSO ERITREA. LONDON, September 18. Mr Molotov, Soviet delegate to the Big Five Foreign Ministers’ conference, at a press conference, stated: — “There was a grain of truth in the reports concerning Russian aspirations in Tripolitania, but 1 prefer to defer comment, because the question is still under discussion.” He said the Soviet attitude towards Eritrea was also under discussion. Mr Molotov remarked; “I will not conceal tjiat Russia has an interest in this question, and I think, can be helpful. Although the principle of collective trusteeship is not yet applied, the principle is correct, and should be applied as decided at San Francisco. However, the principle of individual trusteeshin regarding the Italian colonies should not be ignored. The Russian delegation to the Foreign Ministers’ conference regard it as their duty to adhere to a fair attitude towards Yugoslavia’s claims. They think it fair and just that territories belonging to Croats and Slovenes should be returned to them. “We have sufficient grounds to think that there exist in Roumania, Bulgaria and Hungary democratic Governments enjoying the confidence of the majority of the people of those countries. Russia also feels that the sooner a natural democratic government is established in Greece, the better it will be for Greece and her Allies,” he added. The Greek Government has protested to the Allies because. Greece has not. been invited to express her views through representatives at the Council meetings. EAST EUROPE ATTITUDE. Russia has apparently put forward a request for Tripolitania trusteeship on two main grounds, says “The Times” diplomatic correspondent. Firstly, Italians joined with Germans invading and occupying Soviet territory. Secondly, Russia believes her experience of developing backward peoples in Central Asia qualifies her for a place among trustee Powers in Tripolitania. Moreover, it is strategically important territory midway along' the Mediterranean shore opposite Malta and Sicily. ■

ITALY’S SAY. LONDON, September 18. The Council of Foreign Ministers issued a communique stating that after the Italian Foreign Minister (Dr. Degasperi) presented the views of his Government on Yugoslavia’s claim, it was decided to hold a further meeting later in the evening, at which the delegates will hear the view of the British Dominions’ representatives.