RUSSO-GERMAN PACT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 153, 31 May 1941, Page 8

RUSSO-GERMAN PACT.

FORECASTS IX LONDON. LONDON, May 22. The German thrust towards Suez has revived .speculation about Russia’s intentions. The British Press generally agrees that Russo-German relations are undergoing a vital revision, unfavourable to Britain.

The political correspondent of the Daily Express says that Hitler and Stalin are planning to spring an “allin” agreement soon. Hitler, who is eager for a spectacular development, is likely to fly to Moscow to sign a pact which will probably be based on the closest military. _ economic, and diplomatic collaboration, the correspondent adds. It is thought in London that the need to carry his Ministers with him dictated Stalin’s assumption of the Premiership. Detailed negotiations have been carried out with the Ambassador to Moscow (Count von Seliiilenburg). The Foreign Minister (von Ribbentrop) may fly* to Moscow to add the final touches. The correspondent adds. “Much depends on the extent to which the new pact gives Hitler a freehand in the Middle and Far East. If the Nazis are given full license, Turkey’s position may become impossible, and tlio way may be opened for a drive across Iran towards British eastern possessions. ■When the terms of the pact are announced, Britain will consider her future diplomatic relations with Russia. The Moscow correspondent of the Daiiv Telegraph quotes the Regional Commissar (M. Bakanoff), writing in Hie I’ravda, as saying: “The present international situation compels Russia seriously to prepare daily for war. She must not be militarily weaker than her enemies.” /

The correspondent adds: “Largescale exercises to combat ail air-borne invasion will he held near Moscow on Saturday and Sunday . More than 7000 members of the League of Air Chemical Defence will co-operate with sharpshooters and Red Cross units.