Britain Is Keeping Secrets From Russia

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 September 1950, Page 5

Britain Is Keeping Secrets From Russia

LONDON, Sept, 2 (Recd. 6 p.m.)—Orders have been given to prevent the disclosure of military secrets to Russian inspectors in British factories, according to an announcement broadcast by the Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee) tonight. Mr. Attlee, however, declared it had never been his Government’s policy to set up an iron jurtain in trade between East and West Europe.

Mr. Attlee said that the British machinery now being sent to Russia was the result of a trade agreement "for our mutual benefit." Britain had received feeding stuffs and timber in exchange. Russia had "carried out her side of the bargain and we are carrying out ours,” he said. Mr. Attlee was replying to Mr. Churchill's statements in a broadcast on August 26, that British steel was producing tools for Russia "of a class required for the manufacture and repair of tanks.”

Mr. Churchill said Russian inspectors were allowed to walk round British factories where other important Government contracts were being carried out. He urged a ban on machine tool exports to the Soviet. SOVIET BLAMED

Mr. Attlee blamed the Soviet Government for Britain’s increased defence planning expenditure. He said the Russian leaders could, if they would, “lift the cloud of apprehension which hangs over all the peoples of the world, including their own." Mr. Attlee said tile British people had no aggressive intentions, buteveryone knew they were firmly resolved to defend their own way of life. "I hope the rulers of the Kremlin understand both these facts,” he said. “Russian leaders talk a great deal about peace, but their actions cause world-wide anxiety. Tlr»y -ould join with us and other peoples of the world to use the resources which science has placed at the disposal of mankind to raise the standard of life and promote the happiness of the common people, instead of wasting them on armaments.

“They know quite well that we are prepared at any time to discuss with them fully all differences. It is not a question of method, places or persons. All that is required is the will. We do not seek to Interfere with the internal affairs of Russia. If the Russians believe their system is the best, let them continue to work it out in their own country. If it is so good let us all see the results. They are welcome to see what we are doing. We have no fear of any comparison." EXPORTS TO RUSSIA Mr. Attlee said British exports to Russia had not injured Britain’s home or export requirement. "There is nothing secret about this,” he said. “Neither Mr. Churchill nor his colleagues made any protest at the time the agreement was made. Eighteen months ago we took steps to ensure that equipment and tools which were regarded as of importance for strategic purposes, should not be exported, except in the case of contracts already concluded before that datg,. That was announced to the House of Commons by the president of the Board of Trade in February, 1949. We are watching all thesematters with close attention. Moreover, we shall not allow such exports to damage essential defence needs.’’

Mr. Attlee accused Mr. Churchill of constantly running down Britain in his speeches, which were read abroad, and which injured the national interest. “For the last 20 years Mr. Churchill seems to me to have regarded Parliament mainly as a place where he makes speeches,” said Mr. Attlee. “He comes down like a prima donna, delivers an oration, and then, except for an occasional appearance at question' time, is seen no more until the next occasion.” Mr. Attlee denied Mr. Churchill’s charges of "lack of foresight and im-l providence” in not sending British battalions from Hongkong to Korea immedaitely the fighting broke out.

“We were told that a balanced force such as we offered, even though it would, necessarily arrive later, would be more useful,” he said. "It was only iater we had a request for the immediate despatch of infantry. There was no muddle or hesitation. Mr. Churchill knows this quite well, but apparently it is not much good giving him information."

Answering Mr. Churchill's charge that Parliament should have been recalled for an emergency session to debate defence sooner than September 12, Mr. Attlee said the Government was preparing a full programme to lay before the House. He thought it ■better that Parliament should have a full picture and be asked to take action rather than merely indulge in a general debate. Mr. Chprchill had described Mr. Attlee’s attitude as sullen. “I should describe his as dictatorial,” said Mr. Attlee. •

POLICE SERGEANT SHOOTS AT THIEF ON FIRE ESCAPE

WELLINGTON', Last Night (PA). —A police sergeant fired a revolver shot this morning at a man on a fire escape near Lambton Quay. Sleepers were awakened in the ensuing manhunt, which failed. It was later found that the premises had been entered and money stolen.

At 4 a.m., Mrs R. N. Tibble, wife of the caretaker of the chambers, heard glass breaking. The police were notified and the premises were surrounded. A man was seen on the fire escape and ordered by the police sergeant to stop. When he disobeyed, the sergeant fired. The man then crossed to the verandah of the new Commercial Hotel, slipped through the French windows into the main lounge and disappeared. Police searched the hotel and the Trocadero Hotel, room by room, but the man could not be found.

By this ttme a big party of police was taking part. Radio cars and patrol cars participated. A cordon was posted in the city, being particularly concentrated on the areas between Taranaki Street and the Terrace, but the intruder was not found.

It was stated by one of those disturbed by the incident that some time after the shot was fired there was some commotion on the cliff behind the buildings. Foot marks could be seen on the bank today, it was stated. The Terrace runs along the top of the cliff. It was later discovered that the premises of F. J. Scott and Associates of Cine Sale Services in the Paragon Chambers had been entered. Two cash boxes and £9 10s in cash were stolen.