Wairarapa Times-Age SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 1941. RUSSIA AND THE NAZIS.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1941, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 1941. RUSSIA AND THE NAZIS.

THERE appears to bo no end to the elitinges that are being rung on reports I hat attacks by Nazi Germany on Russia have been launched or are on the point of being opened and denials that anything of the kind lias taken place or is contemplated. Whether there is any foundation for some of the latest and most eircumstantial reports that are now being denied is bound to appear speedily. .Meantime the situation and outlook are made exceedingly obscure by the fact that the Soviet and the Nazi dictatorship have alike been at the utmost pains to mask and conceal their true intentions with regard to one another. Of late the weight of evidence has indicated on the whole, for what the indication is worth, that the Nazis are likely soon io attack Russia in the hope principally, it may be, of adding to the available volume of their supplies of grain, oil and other commodities. In very recent times, however, entirely different possibilities have been discussed. Early last month, for instance. Alexander Kerensky, who headed one of the early revolutionary governments in Russia, and was driven out by the Bolshevists, was reported ■ as expressing the opinion, when he was interviewed in New York, that Stalin’s assumption of the Premiership indicated Soviet preparation to enter the war on the side of the Axis Powers. Kerensky said he believed Stalin’s action was due to recent developments in the war which may soon bring Soviet Russia into direct military collaboration with Germany in the Middle East. Russian troops (Kerensky added) were being concentrated in positions from which they could strike into Iran and pass through Transcaucasia into Turkey. Stalin might now be expected to strike new blows against England in close co-opera-tion with the Nazis. It has yet to appear that there is any foundation for these particular anticipations, but the possibility is not to be overlooked that even concessions made by the Soviet to Nazi Germany under pressure might be highly inimical to Britain and her allies in the Middle East and elsewhere. As has been said, however, there are some indications that Ihe Nazis may prefer to take what they want from Russia by force. The most impressive and suggestive item to date in this category is the reported heavy massing of German troops in Finland, apparently under an agreement with the Finnish Government. To suppose that this concentration has its place in Nazi plans for the invasion of Britain seems rather farfetched. It appeal's to be more likely that the developments reported in Finland are a prelude to joint action against Russia. The Finns, in the hope of recovering their lost territory, may be willing to co-operate with Germany against Russia in the Baltic. If, however, events are taking this course, it is likely that the preparations in Finland constitute only a part, and not the most, important part, of Nazi plans looking to the invasion and exploitation of the Soviet Union. A COMMUNITY ASSET. Ie Mayoi' (Mr T. Jordan) very fairly observed when a proposal was laid before the Masterton Borough Council the other evening that it should take over control of the Cameron and Soldiers’ Memorial Park, it is the job of the local authority to provide recreation grounds and not the job of the Trust Lands Trust. For the fact that this fine area is still available as a community asset, the town and district are under a considerable debt to the Trust as well as to the original donors, Mr D. J. Cameron and his brother. Only a local authority, however, is in a position to control, develop, and administer a park of this kind in a fully satisfactory way’. Some members of the Borough Council appear to be unduly concerned over the fact that the Memorial Park will become, in greater or less degree, a liability. Practically every duty devolving upon the council of course involves a liability, but it does not. follow that duties should be evaded. If an avoidance of expenditure in all circumstances wore the true keynote of municipal administration,; a very large part of our current borough expenditure no doubt might be saved simply by not. doing things that are being done. It would then remain only to round off the circle of economy by abolishing the Borough — Council. Except to those who wish thus to move backward into the. dark ages, however, the opportunity of taking over and maintaining a fine municipal reserve and playing area may be expected to appeal strongly on its merits. Whether the Masterton Borough Council has a duty in regard to the Memorial Park may best, be determined by comparing the local position where the provision of reserves and playing areas is concerned with that of municipalities in other parts of the .Dominion and in other countries. In any comparison of the kind it will probably be found that in this matter Mastertmi is not by any means at the top of the class. It is, of course, to be recognised that in the conditions that exist at present and must continue for a time yet to be determined, file Borough Council cannot embark - on any policy of considerable expenditure on the development even of as desirable a community asset, as the Memori;il Park might easily be made. There should be no difficulty, however, about taking the preliminary step of assuming control and doing what is possible meantime under conditions of enforced economy. At a long view it should be easy enough to develop an area now somewhat neglected and unkempt info a noteworthy beauty spot and home of sport and recreation. Incidentally an improved and developed Memorial Park should be capable in one way an d a no I her o I bringing in a fairly cot is id era Ide amount of revenue. Account in any case lias to be taken of important indirect benefits as well as direct benefits that the community would derive from the worthy development of a reserve which is valuable as it stands ami is capable of being made very much more valuable.