The Times MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1945. A Hard-headed foreign Minister

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 267, 12 November 1945, Page 4

The Times MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1945. A Hard-headed foreign Minister

The decidedly frank, indeed outspoken, statement given by Mr. Ernest Bevin, Britain’s Foreign Minister, to the House of Commons will be welcomed by all true Britons. The phraseology mig-ht perhaps be criticised as not in the traditional language of diplomacy, but there was a welcome absence of any ambiguity as to its meaning. The complexities of the postwar period were acknowledged, the imperative need for a worldwide peace policy was appreciated without reservation, but at the same time the major obstacle therto was named. The preeminent passages of Mr. Bevin’s statement were those concerning Russia. It could have been imagined that a Government of the Loft in Britain would incline to look most favourably upon the Communist Government of Russia. The attitude of our own Leftists here in New Zealand, not only of Communist “Reds” but also of the “Pinks”, strongly suggested that likelihood. British Labour is, however, made of very different material—it is British in both blood and character. It is mindful of its vast and proudly held Imperial obligations. To put it bluntly, it is Imperialist. As for the Soviet brand of Socialism, study this quotation from Mr. Bevin. Referring.to the Western Bloe proposal—an association of Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Scandinavia and other countries of Western Europe—he said: “They are our cultural friends. They are our historical associates. They acknowledge the same Democracy as we do.” Clearly implied is the opinion that Russia, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, is not a democracy. That empire is one of Communist totalitarianism. Along the road to just such a State, New Zealand is today being pushed by excessively ambitious and shortsighted men—to say the best than can be granted them in excuse. Never since Russia was forced by Hitler’s bid for world power to join the Allies, has that great Power been so forthrightly addressed. It was timely and needful, if the major obstacle to peace was to be cleared. The Soviet’s lone wolf attitude to world affairs has provided that obstacle. On behalf of Britain he offered to enter the Council of Nations and play the cards faee-up, appealing to others to do likewise. Mr. Bevin clearly expressed high faith in America’s good intentions. No doubt was left as to the intention of Britain to maintain her place in the woi'ld with the backing of a sufficiency of such armed force as might be requisite. Although a practical, peace policy was the goal, Mr. Bevin insisted that it had to be envisioned as a long-term policy. People, lie said, must not he impatient at a seeming lack of progress. This mood of wise caution was also applied to economic prospects—to the cry for a fuller and richer life in the postwar world. That goal will not be won in a day nor in years. Optimism where indulged was of a sober variety, as befitting the period and its complications.