WHO ARE THE BIG THREE ?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 08, Issue 92, 24 July 1945, Page 4

WHO ARE THE BIG THREE ?

THE deliberations at Potsdam are attracting world-wide interest. The common hunger for news as to the outcome of this momentous meeting remains unappeased, and the seal of secrecy has aroused keen resentment in many quarters,, where it is realised that all nations victors and defeated, in the European war will be vitally influenced by the common policy which is adopted. Who are these men upon whose decisions the welfare of millions depends; upon whose foresight and faith the very future of mankind depends? In thought and in action they are. poles apart —yet we dare hope that in ideals they are as one, holding to a corhmon purpose which is to make, for the betterment of all humanity. Churchill the veteran Prime Minister, tried in the fires of war and tested in the turmoil of national tribulation. Soldier, politician, statesman, war leader—the trusted personality of the typical Englishman when confronted with real danger and disaster; cynical, lovable, courteous, sentimental and stubborn. In him is the traditional 'bulldog spirit personified. President Truman : —faithful lieutenant of that great American of revered memory, reared in the atmosphere of freer expression of opinion than ever England knew. Selfmade man, rising from the. common folk to prominence as a legal practitioner, choosing politics as a career at an age when Americans look askance at nominees, Truman has a wholesome respect for the 'press', is unafraid, of his every utterance, kindly, thoughtful and farseeing ar-d endeavouring to live up to as fully as possible the vigorous example of his illustrious predecessor. Stalin nurtured in the very spirit of rebellion, almost from the cradle. Hunted, outlawed, condemned and exiled he was a rebel at heart and readily adopted the cause of the oppressed Mujiks in the face of the heartless Czarist regime. Braving every obstacle he fought to overthrow tyranny. Case-hardened in political thought he rocketed to prominence in the second revolution when the Soviet took its true forsj and the cruder Bolshevism departed. Bitter, determined, a' recluse and an inspired strategist he has fought the peoples war as no other Russian leader has in her long checkered history. Three* men are shaping human destiny at Potsdam and only one remains assured of the permancy of kis leadership.