National Papers Fear Third World War

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 June 1948, Page 5

National Papers Fear Third World War

(N.Z.P.A.— Reuter—Copyright, j Recd. 7.5 p.m. London, June 28. Urging the Western Adies to take a firm stand in Berlin, the “Manchester Guardian” says the logical result of the Western Allies’ ejection from Berlin wou.d be war—if not immediately, then in a very short time. “We may guess the Russians don’t want war, but they, like Hitler, are prepared to go a long way towards it bv threats of war. The Allies aren’t yet weak enough to have to capitulate in Berlin, nor are the Russians strong enough to try and make them.” Three other national newspapers discuss the possibility of a third world war. The “Daily Telegraph: “Weak acquiescence In Russian control of Berlin wou.d be a certain prelude to a third World War.” It added: “The issue at stake is whether the whole of Western Europe is to live under the menace of aggression. Therefore it is impossible to exaggerate the evil consequences of withdrawal.’’ “The Times”: “Desperate talk of sudden war and atom bombs is out of place. If the Russians don’t want conflict a reasonable arrangement for Berlin is perfectly possible.” The “Daily Mai?’: “To assert our rights in Berlin might lead to war. It might be the signal for the use of the atom bomb, but we believe the Russians would retreat.’*