ECHO HEARD IN U.S.A.

Chronicle (Levin), 22 August 1949, Page 5

ECHO HEARD IN U.S.A.

Received Bundav. 7.5 p.m. LONDON. August 21. Touched off bv the "War Ministe". Mr. BhinwelTs "Don't twist the lion's tail" speech, national Bundav newspapers todav launched a full-scale counter-ofTensive against Ameriean critics of Britain. Protesting that the Oovernment is fed up with the latest most virulent anti-Britin campaign in the. Ameriean Press. the T-abour paper The People, regarded the campaign as preparation for the noxt month's finanical talks in Wnshington when "the Pnited vBtates (lovornment hopes to pnt Bir Stafford f'ripps on the carpet for opposing devaluation of the sterling. " The Peonle says: ' ' But Bir Stafford won't fall for it. TTe is prepared to sav sterling countries tvill turn to Russia and C'anada for goods now bonght in America with our dwindling supply rf dollars, while cotton will be sought from Bgvpt, and tobaceo from Africa. ' ' The Bocialist "Reynold 's News, arguing that Britain is the onlv groat \Vestern European countrv that has kept clear of postwar soci'al upheaval and treats of revolutiop. said: ' ' Tn the short run Ameriean Tories and their screaming Press mav triumph. They niav succeed in stampeding the AdminUtrntion into seeking to interfere in Britain 's internal affairs and external j trade relationships. The next f ew J vecks will decide but wliatever the cost. the British people won't buv aid, at the expense of prinmple. IVe have j not thrown our own Tories into 4he political dustbin to accept Ameriean' ideas as dollar imports." The strongest line was taken by the popular Bundav Pictorial whose editor, in an open letter to the Ameriean peonle and asking for a fair hearing said: "Too manv of you Americans are being fooled by crasping, bigoted tycoons. by brash politicians and by yonr lyin" anti-British press." The Oonservative Bundav Times said: "To find a way of living within onr means at home and abroad will renuire drastic and swift action. If Mr. Bevin and Bir Stafford f'ripps go to Washington as spokesmen of a nation determined to solve the problem regardless of partv dogma, thev will have the nation behind them and can count on the Opposition's support, but if they go as partisans or moral beggars relying on the offers of others. they wil, fail as thev deserve and Britons will wreak upon their ftovernment and Partv a just retribution."