SOMETHING MIGHT EMERGE

Chronicle (Levin), 10 June 1949, Page 5

SOMETHING MIGHT EMERGE

'N.Z.PJL.-

—Reuter-

Bevin Speaks Abont Foreign linisters' Deadlock

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Received Friday, 11 a.m. LONDON, June 9. The Western Powers and Russia might not reach any written agreement, but something might emerge from the Big Four conference in Paris, the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Erneat Bevin, told the Lab'our Party conference' at Blackpool "You never know what will happen before we break up," he said. "I have been forced to the conclusion that if we cannot agree on how we shall live, at least we shoufd agree to live together." Mr. Bevin said that the Western Powers and Russia were uplikely to agree to anything in writing; but there was the chance of an unwritten agreement under which, in matters of common concern, they might assist each other. Difficult Task The time needed for the world to ■ return to norma! after the war had been underestimated, he continued. This was because some parts of the world had been dogged by droughts, famine and disorder. The task of feeding the Germans after the Allies had destroyed their means of living had been difficult. "If there had been the utmost Four-Power co-operation, a truncated Germany could have functioned, but try as we would we could not get an agreement to put Germany in the position to feed herself." Mr. Bevin said there were some people who thought that social democracy was weak and could not resist. He believed that there was a strong resistance in the voluntary associations of a democratic body which would cause it to last longer than any dictatorship._ It was regrettable that Russia had rejected Marshall aid, because this was the basis of complete European cooperation. European economic co-operation had produced stability in Europe and the results were impressive when compared with conditions of twro years ago. Call For Firmness Calling for firmness and patience from the Democracies, Mr. Bevin said: "There has never been a dictator who has not talked peace when he was preparing for war. Somehow this dictatorship thing has to be surmounted. We cannot sacrifice our democratic methods. The Russians won't sacrifice their veto or unanimity principle. Do not be misled. It is the largest army that has the greatest.power in the wrorld today. I w7ant to end that — not by war, but bj remaining firm ourselves."