The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1946 STALIN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 36, 4 January 1946, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1946 STALIN

WHATEVER our political views, we must be prepared to concede, the greatness of the quiet-spoken Soviet leader. Marshal Stalin. When tens of millions awaited the outcome of the vital 'talks' which occupied the greatest part of Christmas 1945, it was said by his critics that the presence of Russia's war leader was only going to lend to further international discomforture. The drastic picture of the complete fiasco of the last meeting of Foreign Ministers carried with it too many bitter memories for those who had faith in the outcome of the new meeting, to give this assertion a denial. The fact remains however that the. conference did take place in the friendliest atmosphere ; -that the vital international problems were settled amicably and further that the spirit of faith and confidence between the three main Allied countries was re kindled., The reason for this very happy outcome is not hard to discover since all but Stalin had met before in an abortive effort to solve the identical problems which have now been disposed of. Obviously the solution resolves about the presence of the Russian who has previously reached amicable settlements on even greater and more important questions with Roosevelt and Winston Churchh ill, both of whom he held in the highest regard. The world at large hears little of Marshal Stalin or his activities. He seldom broadcasts to the nation, and when he does he never harangues. His statements, always quietly spoken are backed by a depth of thought and comprehension which is surprising to English-speaking listeners. This man of the people is the idol of 134 millions, in a land which embraces nearly two hundred sub-races and sixty-five* dialects. He is a anatf risen entirely from the ranks by his own efforts. A man who has been hunted, outlawed and under sentence of death. A man who has not quibbled over the taking of life when it has suited what in his opinion has amounted to the good of the people. He is rejticent, loathes publicity, fiercely determined and terriblyquiet in his most drastic moments. All these attributes the Russian admires, and they are combined in the strongest personality which the vast Muscovite Empire has produced since the days of Peter the Great.