Bevin States Britain's Attitude To Talks With Soviet

Chronicle (Levin), 23 July 1948, Page 5

Bevin States Britain's Attitude To Talks With Soviet

m .z.p.A.-

-Reuter

Covyrtaht) ,

Received Friday, 10.35 a.m. LONDON, July 22. ^.,N. Britain would be ready to discuss Berlin and oth^r matCcgrs with Russia as soon as the technical difficulties which prevented normal commupjcations with the British sector of the city had been removed, the Foreigp Secretary, Mr. Ernest Bevin, said today. Meanwhile, Moscow reports say that the chances oi a settlement in Berlin have brightened, and in Washington President Truman said that the prospects of world peace were excellenu

Mr. Bevin, speaking in the House of Commons, said he was in close touch with the United States and French GovernmenuS. Britain's policy was unchanged. fteplying to a suggestion to hold a Four-Powef conference, he said the Foreign Ministers' Council still existed. No self-respecting Government would confer when pressure such as in Berlin was being used to force a decision. He added that in such conditions the normal relations existing between the Allies during the wai' could not function. "As soon as the agreements on the rights of the British oecupation force in Berlin are re-established, so that neither I hor any other mqmber of the Government will be meeting under duress to discuss these matters, then I am open to discuss any matter with Russia. Nothing can stop immediate discussions once we have free access to our troops and the people we have undertaken to feed.