Closer Ties With Russia

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22297, 13 June 1942, Page 5

Closer Ties With Russia

Signing Of Momentous Treaty In London

Full Understanding On Second Front Issue

Uy Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 11. THE MOMENTOUS 20-year treaty between Russia and Britain, which provides that neither country will conclude an armistice or separate peace with Germany or any of her allies, has been hailed with enthusiasm throughout the free world.

The treaty will remain in force for 20 years and aims at the prevention of aggression after the war. A full understanding has also been reached on the opening of a second front in Europe.

In announcing the signing of the treaty, the Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden), in the House of Commons, said that the treaty confirmed their alliance during the war and the combating of aggression after the war. The treaty was signed for Russia by the Foreign Commissar (M. Molotov), who arrived in London on May 21. The treaty was signed on May 26.

Following the signing of the treaty, M. Molotov left for Washington where he had talks with President Roosevelt. M. Molotov is now back in Russia.

“The treaty confirms our alliance with Russia during the war and after,” said Mr Eden in the House of Commons. "It provides that after the war our two countries will render each other mutual assistance against any further attack by Germany or her associates. It further provides that we will collaborate with one another and the other United Nations hi the peace settlement and during the ensuing period of reconstruction on the basis of the principles set out in the Atlantic Charter.”

Mr Eden outlined the terms of the treaty, which would remain in force until the parties recognised that it was superseded by the adoption of a longterm system of internation security. He added that a full understanding had been reached with regard to the urgent tasks of creating a second front in Europe in 1942. Discussions also took place on the supply of aeroplanes, tanks, and other war material to be sent to the Soviet Union. Basis For Reconstruction

"Tlie House will join with me ill welcoming the signature of this treaty and the prospect which it opens up of active and fruitful co-operation in war and peace,” said Mr Eden. "We are assured that the treaty expresses exactly the common desire of the two Governments. We have been able to arrive at this happy result by our contact with M. Stalin and M. Molotov and by our complete and mutual confidence. The treaty not only formalises and emphasises the closeness of the collaboration between the two countries during the war, but it affords also an indispensable basis for European reconstruction.

"This does not mean that our two countries alone will be responsible for the peace of Europe when the war is won. That is a burden which will be shared by all the United Nations. It means that without the closest understanding between Britain and the Soviet Union there can be no security or stability in Europe, either for ourselves or any of our Allies. The problems of peace are not, of course, for Europe alone, and I hope, with sure confidence, that the good work which our two countries have accomplished will be welcomed by the President and people of the United States and will enable our three countries to work together in the years of peace as in the hard times of war.”

The King has sent the following message to M. Kalinin, President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet Council: “I cannot let this occasion pass without expressing my gratification at the signature which has taken place this day of our treaty of alliance. The treaty consecrates the efforts of our two countries in the hard and bitter struggle they are waging and it pledges them the wholehearted co-operation and mutual support in the years that follow our victory. I would like to believe that you welcome it as sincerely as I do myself, and that you share my confidences that its effect will be to the benefit, not only of our two countries, but of all the world.”

M. Kalinin replied that he fully shared the satisfaction of his Majesty and he was sure that the treaty would consolidate yet further the fighting alliance of the two countries in their stern and uncompromising struggle against the common enemy and ensure cordial co-operation and mutual assistance in the years following victory. Messages have been exchanged between Mr Churchill and M. Stalin. In his message Mr Churchill said that now the three countries could march step by step together. Whatever they could expect thy had pledged themselves to be friends and allies lor 20 years and by such an agreement complete victory was certainly theirs. In his reply M. Stalin said that he had complete confidence in final victory. "I am most grateful for your good wishes. The treaty will have great significance in further strengthening the friendly relations between Britain and Russia and between our countries and the United States. I ask you to accept my sincere good wishes and an expression of my firm belief of our common and complete victory.”

Agreement With America According to a message from Washington, Mr Litvinov (Soviet Ambassador) and Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary of State) to-night signed a Russian and American agreement reached at discussions with M. Molotov. A State Department communique summarising and interpreting the provisions emphasises: “The agreement adds Russia to the growing list of countries which have joined to take practical measures for the creation of a better world after the war. The agreement reaffirms America's •determination to continue to supply everincreasing aid for the Soviet in the war against the common enemy and also provides for such reciprocal aid as Russia may be in a position to supply. But no matter how great America's aid to Russia may be it will be small compared with the magnificent contribution of Russia’s armed forces to defeat the common enemy." The agreement contains a lend-lea.se regulation similar to the BritishAmerican lend-lease agreement. It cays that Russia’s final repayment of lend-lease to America shall be arranged as not to burden commerce between the two countries, but promote mutually advantageous economic relations. Russia and America will make joint, provisions directed toward the improvement of the material foundations of liberty and the welfare of all peoples lurther toward the elimination of all forms of discriminatory treatment by international commerce and generally toward the principles of (he Atlantic Charter. These provisions shall be open for narticipation by all like-minded countries. Immediate Congressional approval

has been voiced on the full understanding reached between Mr Roosevelt and M. Molotov and even former Isolationists are swelling the chorus of commendation.

Senator Tom Connolly (chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee) said: “It is very helpful. Russia is our gallant partner in this war, shedding blood and spending treasure. I approve any practical co-operation with her.

Senator Warren Austin (Assistant Republican leader) told reporters he was delighted. Senator Patrick A. McCarran commented: “It implies the complete unity of the nations struggling against the Axis.” Senator Millard R. Tydlngs said the creation of a second front in Europe seemed the most sensible thing to be done. Senator Gerald P. Nye (noted pre-war Isolationist) said he had long thought a second front ought to be established, although not necessarily by the United States alone. “I hope when we do open this second front we will be well enough prepared to carry through with a smashing blow.” Senator Carter Glass said he approved of everything Mr Roosevelt has done about foreign policy. Senator John Thomas said he thpught the agreement was all to the good. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says that M. Molotov’s discussions resulted in a new schedule for lend-lease deliveries from America to Russia. The new schedule emphasises finished military material, particularly tanks and heavy bombers, while the previous agreement primarily provided for raw materials fo Russia. Creation of Second Front An official communique issued in London to-day on the Anglo-Russian agreement said that the United States Government had been kept informed during the London conversations and that Britain and Russia had reached full understanding about the urgent tasks of creating a second front in Europe in 1942. M. Molotov and his party arrived in Britain by air and went by train to a small suburban station a few miles outside London, where they were met by Mr Eden, Sir Alexander Cadogan, and Major-General Nye, Vice-Chief of the Imperial General Staff. The party motored to Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country home, which Mr Churchill had placed at their disposal.

The first meeting took place in the Cabinet room at No. lo Downing Street, on May 21. Complete agreement was reached after only six meetings, and, at the seventh, on May 26. the treaty was signed in Mr Eden’s room in the Foreign Office. Half an hour later M. Molotov and his party were on their way to America. The Dominions were kept informed of the proceedings throughout the negotiations.

King Receives M. Molotov During his stay in London M. Molotov was receiyed at Buckingham Pa*ace by the King, and met members of the War Cabmet, and he had three hours conversation with the Polish leader, General Sikorski. M. 010t ° v reached Washington on May 29, and a Washington announcement to-night stated that the United States and the Soviet Union had also Sffi a S r eement on the fundamental principles of co-operation between the two countries for safeguarding neare and security after the war. b e President Roosevelt and M. Molotov had also reached full understanding Europe thC creatlon M a secol 'd front in

Russia’s Pact With Japan Chungking newspaper “Takung Pao expressed regret that the British Russian and United States accord fails PU.2 l T h ide D fOr l Paoific op-rations. I cited the Russian and Japanese neutiahty pact as a stumbling block to the effective defence of the Pacifft against the Japanese menace in which Russian co-operation was urgently needed. It said the Japanese, taking advantage of the neutrality pact, were at present attacking American possessions near Russian territory and added that it is extremely regrettable that the Russians did not even supply the United States with such information. Russia and America are Pacific powers Have they not yet arranged co-operation against the Japanese onslaught in the Northern Pacific, The newspaper coneludes that the United States should insist on immediate military and naval co-operation in the Pacific with Russia.