RUSSIAN HOSTILITY

Chronicle (Levin), 19 December 1947, Page 5

RUSSIAN HOSTILITY

(N.Z.P.A.-

—Reuter,

Mr. Bevin Gives Reasons For Conference Failure

Covy right)

Received Friday, 10.5 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 18. The Soviet Union's hostile propaganda was evident throughout the whole of the recent Big Four meeting, the Foreign Secretary> Mr. Ernest Bevin, told the House of Commons. "This made it impossible to get to grips with the fundamental principles involved," he said. "We were told that we could only have something if we agreed to the Soviet claims for reparations in advanee. I cannot see how three other powers could be expected to commit themselves unless all the facts from the fourth zone are on the table for them to examine." Mr. Bevin said that throughout the meeting the Ministers had been met with a number of long speeehes and unjustified accusations. The Council of Foreign Ministers should be a' ' businesslike instrument to bring peace treaties before the peace conference, but unfortunately it had always alternated between carrying out its original functions and being used for "entirely different purposes." Its work had been handicapped and that had caused despondence through the world. The Soviet' s attitude towards the Marshall plan as it related to her near neighbours violated the free choice of free states, continued Mr. Bevin, and in- • terfered with their independence and sovereignty. "The manner of this conference's ending must cause many people furiously to think that we cannot go on as we have been," hoping against hope that Four Power collaboration will work."