Stalin's Statement Emphasises Gravity Of The Breach

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 October 1948, Page 5

Stalin's Statement Emphasises Gravity Of The Breach

LONDON, Oct 29 (Rec 6 pm).— The gravity of the breach between the Soviet Union and the Western Powers was brought home to the Russian people for the first time by the uncompromising tone of an interview which Stalin gave “Pravda.” says Reuter’s political correspondent. Observers in London noted that his statement that United States and British policy was a policy of “aggression and the unleashing of a new war” contrasted strongly with the conciliatory nature of all his earlier utterances on foreign policy since the end of the war. The interview appeared designed primarily for home consumption. Observers regard Stalin’s statement as containing an obvious threat to the Western Governments Observers also consider Stalin's statement

l i makes it clear that he relies on ‘soi cial forces” to frustrate the alleged- > ly warlike intentions of the Western r. Governments. The statement is also . interpreted as a direct reference to ’: the future role of Communist parties in the Western States. A Foreign ; Office spokesman said it was possible I l Mr. Bevin would make a statement ■ I in the House of Commons on Stalin’s r | comments. ? In Paris, Western sources asserted ? | that Stalin was wrong that the Four- • i Power Pact of August 30 was the I agreed solution to the Berlin dispute II It was subject to the four Military ■ Governors agreeing to put it into ; I effect. If an agreed solution had j | been reached in private talks in Paris >! with the Russians, the Western ■ ' Powers had not been informed of it.