ROARING MORE GENTLY

Chronicle (Levin), 22 June 1948, Page 5

ROARING MORE GENTLY

, — Reuter,

Speculation As to Russia's Motives

Copyright)

Received Monday, 7 p.m. LONDON, v June 21. An apparent toning. down of Russian. intransigence in reeent weeks, has been noted with interest in Loddon. How real it is, remains to be seen but it has not passed without comment that, since breaking point in internar tional patience was nearly reach, ed with the Czechoslovak coup, the Soviet withdrawal from the Allied Control Council and . re, strictions on western traffic to anc] from Berlin, there have been signs that the Soviet desired to ease the tepsion. How far Russia has been disturl)ed by the answering measui'es of the Western Powers— Marshall aid, talk of an American guarantee to Western Europe and holp to (ireece and Turkey, is a matter for eonjecture, Russia may have seen the ' ' red light" and there may perhaps be some jiistifjeation i'or the theory that she would baek down once the Western Powers began to make a firm stand. At any rate it has been noted that the terms of the Finnish, Soviet treaty of mutual assistance were relatively lehient and not dishonourable to the Finns, that reparations due to Russia by Finland, Rumania and Hungary were halved, and there are hints of a settlement with the Athens Government by Oeneral Markos and rpmours from the Balkans of a Greek-Albanian agreement. The Times, eommenting on the situation last week, remarked: " There is little doubt that the Kremlin has been surprised at the determination with which traditionally isolationist America has supported the free countries of Europe and it probably has been no less surprised at the strength and speed of the movement for a military and , economic. partnership in Western Europe." There are various theories for the reasons why the Russians may be roaring more gently. One is that they are recognising the newly gathered force. Another js that they may now be tempting the Americans to relax in easygoing optimism and so divide the American front by strengthening the hands of tln^se who believe all will be well. Another theory is that the Russians may be intending to "hold the line" in Europe but to pay more attention to Asia. On this point . the Manchester Guardian has pointed out that if the Western Union and Marshall plan build a wall against the Russian advanee in Europe, the Russian machine may reverse in its tracks ! and move back towards Asia. From earliest times of Russian imperialism, it. adds, Russian interest has alternated between JOast. and West and Mnscow may dec.ide that it is foolish to risk destruction by gambling too high in the West when in the East there is an ompiro for the taking. All these theories add up to the fact that while. Russia's switeh in tac.tics in Europe is welcomed, her motives are regarded with a good deal of suspicion.