STALIN SAYS BRITISH STATESMEN ARE MOST SERIOUS THREAT TO PEACE

Chronicle (Levin), 30 October 1946, Page 5

STALIN SAYS BRITISH STATESMEN ARE MOST SERIOUS THREAT TO PEACE

Press Assn.

By Telegraph

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Received Tuesday, 7.0 p.m. - ... LONDON, Oct. 29. ' • Generalissmo Stalin, replying 'to a questionnaire from Mr. ; Hugh EaiJlie, president of the United Press of America, said he did' not agree with Mr. Uyrnes' broadeast .statement that Russ.an■Ameriean tension -had inereased.

*"What in your opinion is at pres-i jnt the most serious threat to[ world peace?" Mr. Baillie asked. Stalin ahswered: "The incendiaries of a new war. The fore- . most is Churchill and those think.ng like him in Britain and America." "What steps should be taken by :he peoples of the world to avoid a new war." Stalin:1 "It is necessary to unmask and bridle the incendiaries jf a new war." "Is United Nations a guarantee of intactness of the small nations?" Stalin: "So far it is difficult to say." To a question as to whether the four occupied zones of Germany should be merged economically in order to restore Germany as a peaceful economic unit, thereby lessening the burden of the four oecupying powers, Stalin replied: "It is necessary to re-establish not only economic but also political unity in Germany as well." He thought it feasible to create some sort oU general administration for Germany by the Germans but under Allied eontrol. "In the light of the recent eleetions in the various zones, do you feel confldent that Germany is developii-g politically along democratic lines, giving hope for her iuture as a peaceful nation?" Stalin: "I am not sure of that for _he time being." "Do you feel the level of permitted industry should be inereased above the agreed level to enable Germany to pay her own way more tully?" Stalin: "Yes I do." "What should be done beyond the present four power programme to prevent Germany from again becoming a world military. menace?" Stalin: "It is necessary to extirpate the remnants, of Fascism in Germany and democratise her most fboroughly." Generalissimo Stalin agreed that .he German people should be allowed to reconstruct" industry and .rade and become self-supporting. He admitted the Potsdam pro/isions were not always adhered to. He did not feel , the veto power had been used to excess during the Foreign, Ministers'- discussions or in United' Nations meetings. "Hcw far should Allied po^ei-s go 'n hunting down .and trying minor war criminals in Germany?" Stalin: "The further the better."

"Does Russia consider Poland's western frontiers permanent?" Stalin: "Yes, it does." "How does Russia regard the presence of British troops in, Greece?" Stalin: "As unnecessary." . "What is the extent of Russian military contingents in Polahd, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Austria and how long do you feel fchat, in the interests of securing peace, these contingents must be maintained?" Stalin: "In the west, that is in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and jPoland, the Soviet Union has at present 60 divisions, rifie and armoured, the majority of whieh are not in full strength. There are no Soviet troops in Yugoslavia. Tn two months' time, when a deeree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet concerning the last demobil- • isation classes, is implemented, 401 ' Soviet divisions will remain in the said couptries." "What is the Soviet Government's attitude towards the presence of American warships in the Mediterranean ?" Stalin: "Indifferent." "Is Russia still interested in obtaining a loan from United States?" Stalin: "She is interested." "Has Russia yet developed its own atom bomb or similar weapon?" Stalin: "No." "How in your opinion, can atomic power be best controlled?" Stalin: "A strong international eontrol is needed." "How long will you require to rebuild the devastated areas of western Russia?" Stalin: "Six or seven years, if not more." "Will Russia permit commercial airlines to operate across the Soviet Union? Does Russia intend to exLend her own air lines to other countries on a reciprocal basis?" Stalin: "Under certain conditions this is not excluded." "How does Russia view the occupation of Japan. Do you foel it has been a success on the present basis?" Stalin: "There are successes but -it would be possible to attairi better successes." , ■ * "What is Russia's attitude to Yugoslavia's decision not to sign the peace treaty with Italy?" Stalin: "Yugoslavia has ground to be dissatisfied."