ANOTHER WORLD WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27387, 12 May 1950, Page 5

ANOTHER WORLD WAR

Probabilities Discussed RESOLUTE STAND BY WEST NEEDED NZPA Special Correspondent Rec. 7.20 p.m. LONDON, May 11. Discussing the estimates of the probability of another world war, Mr Wicknam Steed, in the Contemporary Review, says: ’“ My own estimate of the probabilities is that the present distressful condition of nagging and mischievous non-war may last some years, but that if the nations of the free world are resolute and firm they will not find their position weakened by the lapse of time.” Mr Steed continues: “In my belief the one thing that would be likely to bring on the situation out of which

a third world war must arise would be for the Western Powers to'show faintheartedness or to abandon in despair the defence of their civilisation. This is as true of Europe as it is of Asia. Sooner or later Soviet Russia may be accessible to some reasonable understanding, provided always she is persuaded of Western strength. ** I do not think it lies in the interest of Russia to loose another worldwide struggle, however eager she may be to undermine, disrupt and demoralise Western resistance.” Mr Steed, a former editor of The Times, was from 1937 to 1947 broadcaster on world affairs for the BBC.