REACTIONS TO THE SPEECH

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 October 1946, Page 5

REACTIONS TO THE SPEECH

Rec. 10,25 p.m. New York, Oct. 29 “I was glad to see there were some constructive things in Mr. Molotov’s speech which I hope will provide a basis for unanimous agreement on positive action for peace and security,” commented the chief American delegate to the Assembly, Mr. Warren Austin. “It was a smart, tough speech. 1 do not intend to answer at present any of the charges made.” British officials* who declined to be quoted by name, bitterly criticised the address. A spokesman said: “It was a disappointment to all peole who hoped we were entering a new phase of conciliation and trust among the Allies. As far as Mr. Molotov's remarks about the ‘Big Five’s’ unanimity are concerned, one nation which is out of step cannot go on forever calling on the other Mur to get into step.” Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit (India) sai it was a most courageous speech. “Mr. Molotov dealt with problems on everybody’s mind, but which everybody hesitates to mention openly,” she said. “It was a speech of a nation very sure of itself and its future. We welcome his reference to India. It Is a sign of friendship between the two countries.” Canada’s Secretary for External Affairs, Mr. Louis St. Laurent, commented: “It was a most impressive speech. It may be that more than was suggested by Mr. Molotov in his resolution will be necessary to lead to disarmament, but the objective which he holds out is one for which there is a very large number of supporters throughout the world.’’ Field-Marshal Smuts said "I am not surprised by the disarmament propos-

ais. Why should it be?” It is in the United Nations Charter.” Mr. Molotov's speech is generally interpreted as the most deeply disturbing one delivered at the United Nations since the inception, says the “New York Times” correspondent, James Reston. It was, of course, applauded by the delegates of those States which usually remained aloof from the East and West alignments in the United Nations. It is oelieved the speech has wiped out the more conciliatory atmosphere of the past few days, and has widened the gulf that has confounded the United Nations for the last ten months. The proposal for disarmament generally is approved, but the offer is surrounded with such a distorted attack against the American atomic energy plan, and against those who proposed the abolition of veto, that the delegates fear Mr. Molotov has produced an atmosphere detri. mental to disarmament. The “Herald-Tribune,” in an editorial, says: “In quick succession the ‘Sphinx of Kremlin’ has answered another questionnaire, and Mr. Molotov, the ‘flinty hammer of the United Nations,’ has made another full-dress speech. It will take tinve to analyse all the possible implications of these two teyls, but, together, they leave a general impression that is perhaps not altogether without significance. Both through Stalin’s answers and Molotov's speech, ending with its sweeping new proposal for an attacx on the disarmament problem, theie runs a suggestion that the statesmen of the Kremlin are feeling towards a re-sur-vey of the world problem and somewider, sounder solution for it than the barren altercations of past months.’' After referring to Russia's great task in rehabilitating the devastated country, Mr. Molotov said: "There is no lack of faith among our people in the peaceful means of progress, and there are no feelings of incertitude which is created in countries with unstable economic and political prospects, because we stand firmly on the positions attained by the Soviet Union and have a profound faith in the Soviet people’s growing strength. Our people are anxious to participate in peaceful competition of States and social systems under which it will be possible for the various peoples not only to demonstrate their internal possibilities, but to establish a closer, more varied co-operation with each other. Our people long for a lasting peace, and believe that only under the conditions of peace can economic wellbeing and true prosperity be guaranteed for many years to come, as well as a life of freedom for the common people and all mankind. “The Soviet Union is alien to the strivings of those strong power's and influential groups tn othar countries ■

which are contaminated by imperlalis. tic ravings, or domination. The Soviet sees its best friends ju the truly peace-loving States. We regard the strengthening of international cooperation for thr, sake of peace and orogress as our primary task."