GLITTER OF WEST

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23078, 18 December 1944, Page 6

GLITTER OF WEST

Russians Concerned Effect On Red Armies

While some parts of the democratic world, particularly the United States, seem greatly concerned at the effect of the presence of Russians in the countries of Eastern Europe, there is evidence that Russia herself is not without concern as to the effect upon her soldiery when they come in contact with, the “glitter” of the capitalist world. The Russian Army’s first contact with Western capitalism was in Rumania, and dispatenes from Moscow to the "New York Times” point out that the Soviet press went to some pains to prepare its soldiers in advance to resist whatever attraction foreign countries may have upon young men and women who have never been abroad before. Leonard Soboleff, one of Russia's best-known war correspondents, acted as Ulysses in guiding the Red Army past the siren-like blandishments of Rumania’s women, wine and song. Here is his basic conclusion, which also reads something like an appeal: “Tawdry Brilliance” “We’ll have to pass through many foreign countries. A lot of tawdry brilliance will blind your eyes, Red Army men. Don’t believe these deceitful phantoms of pseudo-civilisation. Look into the heart of the country; look into the soul uf the people. This won’t deceive you. This will prove the real culture of the country. “At the end of the war you will return to the Fatherland from foreign countries where you have been engaged in battles. Again foreign peoples will live their own life, but in every spot where you have been a trace will always remain in the hearts of these people because you carried with you the high culture and great soul of the Soviet people, who shed their blood for the freedom and happiness of millions of people.” The reaction of Soboleff and the Red Army men to the new things they saw in Rumania is interesting, and often amusing. It every army in the world the one topic of conversation is women. Here is what they thought about the Rumanian women: “Russian Girls are Better” “You see pretty standard-looking women with faces carefully done pale, in spite of the burning sunshine, with their make-up in the most complicated way, with dark red lips—fashion seems to prescribe 'the sinful mouth.’ Two Red Army men are exchanging opinions about women. The first says, ‘They look fine.’ The second replies, 'Put them under a stream of water, and only then should you judge. No, my lad, our Russian girls are better. There’s no bluff there.’ ” Soboleff cautioned Red Array soldiers not to be impressed with Bucharest's cleanliness. After noting the old saying that a nation's culture is measured by the Quantity of soap it uses, he pointed out that Germany consumes more than any other country. "But this war proved what these clean, cultured hands can do.” He had a low opinion of the morals, culture and outlook of the majority of Bucharest people, who, he says, live in rhe city amid speculation and business deal.';, and care only for one thing, "How to sell for the most advantageous price their goods, wives, honour; how to buy at a cheaper price a house and job; how to have smart clothes; and with their heln fool others into thinking they are i'ch.”