DIFFICULTIES WITH RUSSIA

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24901, 14 June 1946, Page 7

DIFFICULTIES WITH RUSSIA

Commenting on relations with Russia, Mr Bevin said: ‘lf you want to mellow the position between Russia and Britain, remember that the greatest enemjes to their friendship are the Russian supporters in this country. They always have been.” Mr Bevin said that Mr Stalin had wanted to amend the Russian-British treaty when he (Mr Bevin) .offered an extension lor 50 years. “I replied: ‘Lat me know what will suit you.’ What more could I do?" said Mr Bevin. “When the Foreign Ministers’ Council meets again in Paris next week I will not say anything which is likely to cause ill-fealing or trouble." Mr Bevin then said that although each of Mr Molotov’s and Mr Stalin's speeches had been reported in British newspapers, the speech he had made in the House of Commons had not yet appeared in a single Russian paper “what is the reason why the Russians are not allowed to know what is happening elsewhere?" he asked. He also revealed that he had proposed reciprocal air services between London and Moscow, but he was told by Russia that British aeroplanes would be allowed to fly into Russia only on special occasions and by special arrangement “If 1 cannot get reciprocity, what can I do? I cannot go to war to force them." he added. Mr Bevin said that he did not know what steps w.ould be taken to get the peace treaties drawn up, but ho one nation could keep Britain for ever in

a state of war. To go on that way was indefensible. Although an Eastern bloc existed, he had deliberately not pressed for an alliance with France in Order hot to upset Europe. Neither he nor any other member of the Cabinet would be a party to the reallotment of British forces in order to attack Russia. bania and behind that a solidified position would mean two camps in Europe, and that would be the road to tion of troopn from the Danube Basin to let Europe live again. This would be the quickest way to obliterate Hitler's memory. asked them to visit our zone, examine it, and see what was happening. I said: ‘Do not throw mud and do not accuse us of not carrying out the treaty without having the facta. Let us go to your zone and let us have a little reciprocity. Let the Four-Power Commission go everywhere to see what is happening. When they have finished they will let their deputies sit down to try to work out a settlement giving, a feeling of security to everyone’.” hl” ferred with Mr Molotov, while Sir Stafford Cripps had offered to fly to Moscow to discuss trade questions.