Russia Objects To Supervised Elections

Northern Advocate, 24 August 1945, Page 7

Russia Objects To Supervised Elections

LONDON, August 23. The British Government is considering the proposal made by King Michael of Rumania that Britain, the United States and Russia should help in establishing a Government in Rumania which might be recognised by them all. The United States Secretary for State (Mr Byrnes) said in Washington that his Government was ready to join in consultations with Britain and Russia on this matter. Mr Byrnes reemphasised his .Government’s hope that the political situation in Rumania would develop so as to permit the reestablishment of diplomatic relations. This was not possible so long as the Rumanian Provisional Government did not represent adequately all important elements of democratic opinion in the country.

Mr Byrnes added that the first official reaction in Washington was that the proposal envisaged an early election. It was thought, that Russia; following her policy regarding Greece, would decline the Rumanian request. The newspaper “Izvestia” criticises the British and American decision to send observers to watch the situation in Greece, which, it says, is “characterised by the spreading of terror by reactionaries, Monarchists and Fascists, and which excludes the possibility of a free expression of the people’s w ill.” It adds that the most important task for the Allies is to provide conditions for really democratic elections. When this is provided there is no necessity for observers. “Izvestia” says Russia has turned down the proposal that she should send observers to Greece because such a step is incompatible with Greek independence and sovereignty. “No matter what form the so-called observation takes it will lead to the establishment of control over internal policy, which should not be subjected to foreign influence.' It is a form of interference which cannot strengthen democracy, but is capable only of undermining democracy.”