HOPES DASHED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26771, 14 May 1948, Page 5

HOPES DASHED

Soviet-American Talks DIPLOMATIC RIFT WIDENS Outcome of Precipitate Action Rec. 9.45 p.m. LONDON, May 13. The confusion that resulted from Moscow’s one-sided, announcement of conversations between the American Ambassador, General Bedell Smith, and Mr Molotov has now ended, says the diplomatic correspondent of The Times, but the question still to be answered is why the Soviet Union so quickly seized on the opportunity afforded by General Bedell Smith’s statement to Mr Molotov to make known its willingness to enter into two-party discussions. Theories put forward in some quarters that the Russians acted only from a desire to drive a wedge between Britain and America, and to score a -propaganda victory, are not in themselves sufficient explanation.

It seems more likely that the Russians hoped by their tactics to force the Americans into opening two-party discussions with them. They may also have thought it possible to cause a slackening in the tempo of Western consolidation and obtain breathing-space for themselves.

The Times, in a leader, says that both American and Soviet diplomacy must be blamed in differing degrees for a bewildering episode. The Russians could not be blamed for taking the keenest interest in the American statement about the door being ' alwavs wide open for full discussion of our' differences,” or for regarding it as something more than a conventional expression of a desire for better relations. Neither could they have been blamed, but rather praised, if they hao quietly followed it up and inquired what exactly the Americans had in mind. The Soviet Government, however, chose a far different course and has thereby done a disservice to the cause of peace. Whether the Russians clumsily sought to commit America to the conversations or set out to sabotage the plan cannot be changed, but the effect is the same, The Times points out. The hope that a conference might be arranged, with other Powers inevitably being drawn in, has been dashed. The United States and the countries of West and Southern Europe must now show redoubled energy 11 the European recovery programme and in the consolidation of Western union • Mr Ernest Bevin told the House of Commons that the United States hac now informed him fully of the recent exchanges with the Soviet Government, but he preferred not to make any statement at present. Mr Bevin said the Government was anxious 1 a solution on a world-wide basis but. ‘‘frankly, I am not anxious to enter into further conferences until the ground has been cleared. I have had too many failures. A, good deal of preparatory work has been done.” Mr Bevin, in reply to a question why he could not act independently of the United States, said: “Why should I put all my cards down and the Soviet only two or three? ” Mr Bevin added: “If the peoples of the world were- allowed to meet, they could have peace. It is only the Communists who stand in the way. I

am anxious for a settlement with Russia, but I want to clear the ground of misunderstanding.” Mr Bevin said he could not get peace if he had to ask the Western Powers and other world Powers to sacrifice principles and spiritual beliefs to fit in with something with which they did not agree. Mr Bevin said he did not know about the SovietAmerican negotiations until he heard the radio announcement on May 10. Referring to the Tass Agency publication of the Soviet reply before the United States Government received it, Mr Bevin said: "While that diplomatic usage goes on. clearing the ground for understanding is almost impossible. If I the Ambassador could not discuss quite frankly with the Foreign Minister of another nation without publication, then the situation is not only intolerable, but peace is impossible.” Mr Bevin's statement and the information reaching London official circles cleared away all perplexities created by the Moscow radio announcement of the Soviet versions of the conversations between General Bedell Smith and Mr Molotov, says Reuter’s diplomatic correspondent. General Bedell Smith had an interview with Mr Molotov, who asked for an aide memoire. Mr Molotov saw General Bedell Smith a few days later, and another aide memoire was supplied. There was no exchange of Notes. Mr Molotov, apparently to suit Soviet purposes broadcast a Russian version of the conversations, including acceptance of an offer of talks which was not made. The correspondent says that a sombre heception in I ondon greeted Mr George Marshall’s rejection of the possibility of disci ssions with Russia. Any satisfaction that there will not be a Russian-American settlement over the heads of other interested Governments is marred by recognition that the deadlock between l he world’s two Great Powers will be deepened by the latest development.