RUSSIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25850, 22 May 1945, Page 9

RUSSIA

Sir, —May I point out to " Stormovik ” that the question at issue is not whether we try to raise suspicion about Russia, but whether or not reason for that suspicion exists. May I further point out that, even theoretically, Communists do not believe in good faith (Lenin speaking in October, 1920), so that a strong a priori case for our doubts exists. These doubts are not eased by the knowledge that Russia did not enter this war to save freedom; she had to fight to save her own skin, and her attitude to freedom should have been clear to all in 1939. when, after signing a treaty which freed Germany from danger from the east she joined the latter in the rape of Poland. Dare we suggest that we also had doubts when the Baltic States were annexed shortly after the signing of non-aggres-sion pacts or when earlier in Soviet history Georgia and Daghestan went the same way? , , With regard to the Polish prisoners, perhaps “ Stormovik ” would answer these questions. Did or did not the Russian Government lie in reply to the British request for information? Have not the British and American Governments announced their conviction that the majority of the prisoners are essential to any representative Polish Cabinet? Will these Poles be given an open trial, or will it be in secret like the infamous Moscow trials of 10 years ago? Will British reporters be allowed to attend proceedings? Will evidence for the defence be called? Will the accused be permitted their own counsel? These are not empty questions, for if past examples are followed the answers will be in the negative.—l am, etc.,

[From the above letter we have omitted, as not directly relevant, comments on Russian culture. —Ed. O.D.T.]