CHARGE DENIED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 24 October 1941, Page 5

CHARGE DENIED

GOVERNMENT SWAYED BY PREJUDICE ATTITUDE TOWARDS RUSSIA MR EDEN TELES (II BRITAIN’S AID (Rec. 11.30) Rugby, Oct. 23. I In the course oE his reply to a i debate in the House of Commons, ■ the Foreign Minister, Mr Air tbony Eden, discussed Britain's aid to Russia in her struggle with Germany. “I am not enamoured with the phrase ‘Help for Russia.’ That does not seem to me how we should regard the problem which is helping to common victory. The House knows that supplies were sent to Russia before Lord Beaverbrook went and also that supplies have been sent as a result of the programme agreed to there,” said Mr Eden. Referring to Mr Mod linker's suiawslion that far greater R.A.F. support should have been given to Russia Mr Eden said that account had to be taken of the means of transport and communications. It might well be more economical to send aircraft which the Russians could use without sending the men to use them. “Even before the outbreak of war,” said Mr Eden, “preparations had been made for supplies of raw materials to be made available to Russia. Mr Bevan had accused the Government of being swayed by prejudice in their attitude towards Russia. I roundly and absolutely deny that charge,” said the Minister. “There is not a syllable of truth in it. Before ever there was an attack upon Russia Mr Churchill warned M. Stalin of German intentions. I did the same myself to the Soviet Ambassador, M. Maisky. The day the attack on Russia | took place the Prime Minister, as chairman of the Defence Committee of Cabinet, gave Instructions that i every possible means should he examined to give help to Russia in every sphere. WHAT BRITAIN IS DOING "What have we actually done? Lord ' Beaverbrook in the name of the Gov : ernment has promised in tanks and i aircraft exactly what M. Stalin asked ! for. With the help of our very good j friends in America we are giving Rus- j sia exactly what she has asked f r from us. We have sent a large number of aircraft already and tanks and , aircraft will be delivered exactly in accordance with the terms of our pledge ' to Russia. I give an undertaking that j by every means in our power we are ; going to get those tanks and aeroplanes j there.” Mr Eden concluded, “I have long j held the view that between ourselves j and Russia, ideologies apart, there is ! no reason why at any time there | should be conflict of interests. I keep j that view unchanged to-day and in ! all discussions we had the Government j was moved only by one aim—to give I all the help in its power to Russia and 1 final victory.”—B.O.W.