BELEAGUERED RUSSIA!

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23828, 2 December 1940, Page 6

BELEAGUERED RUSSIA!

On the word of Kalinin, fhe international outlook of Russia is undergoing, or has undergone, a change dictated by unwelcome and irksome circumstances. He, describes his country as a tremendous fortress, occupying one sixth of the world's surface, flic other five-sixths being held by its unprincipled and irreconcilable enemies. This rather surprising statement, it is to be noted, is made by the head of the supreme council of the Soviet Union, and therefore must be accepted as expressing the mind of its Government on the present situation. Neither Stalin nor Molotoff could have spoken with more authority. The former, although undoubtedly the dictator of policy, maintains his chosen practice of standing apart from titular supremacy, and Molotoff is Foreign Minister, to translate his official designation into terms customary elsewhere : it must be understood, therefore, that Kalinin speaks in this fashion with their knowledge and approval. What are the plain implications of words so authoritative? First, that iu the

present circumstances, no matter what has brought them about, .Russia returns to the attitude taken by the founders of the Soviet regime. Their constant assertion was that, as a Communist Slate in a capitalist environment, Russia must defensively and offensively regard all other States as at least potentially hostile and must withstand them either in open conflict or by spreading Communist influence within their frontiers. Thus Kalinin's declaration announces a return to the original Soviet political complex. In addition, lie explicitly includes among the antagonists of Russia even the Axis Powers. They, no less than others, are classed as enemies whose ideals and ways of life are inimical to the Soviet Union. Consequently, thought of alliance with them must he ruled out ; Germany, Italy and Japan cannot any longer look to Russia for support, direct or indirect, nor Avill Russia trust, to any aid they may proffer. To the oftrepeated question "Where, does Russia stand?" Kalinin has given an illuminating if not convincing answer.