WILL CLEAR AIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 207, 2 September 1943, Page 5

WILL CLEAR AIR

THREE-POWER TALKS IN LONDON IMPORTANCE OF NEXT SIX WEEKS (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright' Recd. 6 p.m. London, Aug. 31. Interest in British, American and Russian relationships has now veered to the stage, when three-Power talks will bo held. It is hoped that something concrete will come from Mr. Anthony Eden’s talks with M. Maisky and Mr. J. G. Winant that will lead the way to a clearing of the air and the establishment of a better understanding—publicly as well as privately. It is not only the question of opening a second front that requires discussing, but also political policy. The question of a second front has been reopened by Russian newspaper comment. For instance, Pravda declared: "A shattering blow against Germany can scarcely be imagined without the use of the tremendous strategic advantage of the British Isles as a main base for invasion.” It went on to point out that England had been saved from the threat of invasion by the Soviet Union, and that after the Russian-German war started, England got a chance to mobilise for war economy. Such comment drew from The Times the remark that a revival of the second front campaign was a psychological blunder. "for strategy cannot be directed by popular debate.” There was also the comment that if a second front resulted in Germany withdrawing 60 divisions from the east, then the Ger> mans must have made inaccurate calculations, for they already have between 20 and 40 divisions in the west, and it. would be bold to assume that they had miscalculated to such an extent. On the political side there is a divergent view of the position of the Poles, from whose Government in London the Russians withdrew recognition last year without consulting Britain and America, while recently Britain and America recognised the French committee, leaving the Russians to act independently, a matter where, says The Times, “joint, simultaneous action could well be arranged.” There is also the question what □art the three Powers are going to take in organising the security of post-war Europe. The coming six weeks are regarded as most important, for, as the Observer points out, “the end of these six weeks will either see all the Allies together in sight of victory, or a serious crisis in confidence between Russia and her western Allies. Which it will be depends at this juncture almost entirely on our ability to wage successful war with political as well as military arms.”