“APPEASEMENT” OF RUSSIA

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24906, 20 June 1946, Page 5

“APPEASEMENT” OF RUSSIA

ABANDONMENT BY U.S. URGED WASHINGTON, June 18. Four members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States House of Representatives, reporting on a two months’ trip to Europe, said that any semblance of appeasement in negotiations and relations with Russia should be immediately abandoned. The committee members also urged that President Truman and Mr Stalin should hold a conference as soon as possible, at which a frank exchange of views could be had. They stated: *‘lt is very evident in Moscow that each time we have taken a stiffer attitude in refusing Soviet demands the United States Embassy has found it increasingly easier to deal with the Russian officials. On the other hand, unwise appeasement has alienated those members of the Political Bureau who were most friendlv towards America because they became subjected to ridicule by hostile members, who asserted that a tough policy towards America produced the best re« suits for Russia.” The report continued: “In a military sense, Russia lacks many of the modern weapons and mechanical devices essential in modern warfare, including the atomic bomb, a sizeable navy, a home-equiuped mechanised army, and a substantial machine tool industry. “Potentially Russia is a mighty military force, but it is unlikelv that she will launch war against the United States or any other well-nrenared. large country for many years. Nevertheless. Russia’s mHittry outlay continues on a huge scale.” • Referring to Poland, the reoort saiq: “Freedom from fear is a mockery and only a superficial semblance of freedom of religion remains.” The report expressed the view that the United States had acted too hastily in recognising the PoHsh an^.Zyl^os J av Governments It concluded: The situation in Jugoslavia reflects the vicious harvest derived from the appeasement nolicies which the United States has been following regarding Russia.