WESTERN UNION WORLD’S HOPE FOR PEACE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 49, 4 February 1949, Page 5

WESTERN UNION WORLD’S HOPE FOR PEACE

Mr W . Sullivan s View Of Situation

“Everywhere one goes, thoughts of people are on the world situation. The fear of war hangs overhead like a dark cloud. Leaders of all democratic countries are working all they know how to keep world peace. Patience and tolerance prevail in the one united desire to avert war.” Thus Mr W. Sullivan, M.P., gravely approached the subject when asked for his impression of the disturbed conditions overseas. “The cloud of uncertainty hangs heavily over Europe,” he added. “To we people in the Pacific, Berlin seems to be the storm centre and is doing all possible to force the Allies to give way. United Nations’ efforts so far have proved fruitless, and will likely be, for Russia is one of the Nations that has the power of Veto. “Many questions come to the mind of the observer. Can the Allied Nations give way? “No, for if they do, it would mean loss of prestige, and tantamount to surrender. If Russia by agreement opens, rail, road and canal, is this the complete answer? “Certainly not, for the reason that Russia has control of a belt some 40 to 60 miles wide, encircling Western Berlin. “Will the German people be forever content with such a situation? This is most unlikely. “The occupying military authorities are making progress in setting up State Governments in Western Germany, and finally it is intended that Federal Government should preside over the whole. All such Governments will be elected under the popular franchise. “In the course of time Western Germany will, with Allied help, rehabilitate herself and become strong. Then is it not likely that she will demand the return of her lost country? “Both Britain and America are working hard to establish Western Union, part of which will no doubt include Western Germany. In addition the policy seems to be to reestablish Germany as a buffer state between east and west. In such case, and as part of the Western block, new Western Germany will have Allied backing. One time during the war, Russia was a friendly ally. Then, in the interests of self preservation for herself as well as the Allies it was possible to work together. Since the war her attitude has changed, and no satisfactory bases in relation to the area in dispute can be determined. “This is not the fault of United Nations, or the Allied countries. The whole situation lies at the door of a strong country that has set out to impose her will, firstly upon weakened and smaller countries, and later upon the stronger if she can succeed.

“It is this fear that disturbs the mind of the whole .civilised world. Every country is deeply concerned. We see country after country taking it, and the British-speaking o'ountries do not want ,i,t. Therefore if Democracy is to survive, what is to be done?

“The first step seems to be to weld the democracies and peaveloving people of the world into one bloc. Come together and build such combined strength, where we will stand as one against further encroachment, where we can demand that the present impossible situation be fairly adjusted. “The establishment of Western Union, coupled with the British Commonwealth, and backed by the United States of America, can present a bulwark against further aggression, and speak in one voice on the settlement of Europe’s problems. Such union of nations, seems the only answer to the present situation. Statesmen the world over are calling out for such Union, but are we moving fast enough? “During the war, conferences were numerous between Allied leaders. In this cold war where are such conferences? “I believe the leaders of Britain and the United States of America, should primarily face the situation (for the time being forget domestic policy), and build within the framework of international affairs, a solid block of Nations that will stand

and enforce peace in our time. “Today n.o single country can face such a situation, with assured success. Therefore, the union of peaceloving Nations appears the only answer.

“Can impoverished Britain stand another war? It is doubtful, in fact the burden would appear too great. In such case, the great burden must fall heavily upon the United States

of America, and those parts of the Empire best able to bear it. “In the United States one finds more open concern over the grievous situation than one does in Britain. It may well be that the people of Britain have taken so much, that they are tired, that they know their immediate limitations, and are working long and hard to recover lost ground and prestige. “Wherever one may look there is a challenge. The challenge comes from a completely socialised country which no one country can ignore, therefore it'behoves all who love our democratic, free way of life, to be strong and work for world peace. “The most certain way to have peace, is indeed to be so strong that no country will again draw the sword to destroy and conquer. “The world’s war scars, so widespread, should teach us what pre-sent-day war means, so let us be strong, not for aggression, but to be respected, and to stand as one against any future tyrant or destroyer of world civilisation. “Russia today is like a non-reced-ing tidal wave. Wherever she runs in, she is apparently determined to stay, if the incline is steep, she stops and perculates another lowlying and weakened area. “I believe that if Western Europe does not voluntarily join Western Union, she may, in bits and pieces, involuntarily have to accept Eastern Union. “We, of the Commonwealth, the United States of America, the peace-loving countries of Europe, must work for peace, talk of peace, and be strong for peace. Whatever the cost, in the end it will be less costly than war.”