MOLOTOV IN BERLIN

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 43, 14 November 1940, Page 9

MOLOTOV IN BERLIN

Motive For Visit TREND OF SOVIET POLICY British Observers’ Views (British Official Wireless.) (Received November 13, 7.5 p.m.) RUGBY, November 12. The Soviet Foreign Commissar, M. Molotov, has reached Berlin for a visit which a Soviet official communique guardedly describes as a return of the visit paid by von Ribbentrop to Moscow. In the absence of more reliable information on the discussions than is provided by the somewhat portentious forecasts of obvious inspirations in the German news services and neutral reports from Berlin, diplomatic observers in London are not inclined attach undue significance to the meeting, though the first visit M. Molotov has paid to a foreign capital has an undeniable formal importance.

This attitude of reserve seems justified by the contrast between the reticence observed by the organs of Soviet publicity and the highly-specn-lative assertions of German propaganda. Shrewd observers in London have never ceased to insist that Soviet policy in its present phase is dictated by a purely realistic consideration and, in particular, by determination not to become involved in the war. ; Thev argue that the policy inaugurated by the Soviet-German pact on the eve of the war would not have been adopted by Stalin’s Government without their weighing its dangers and disadvantages along witli its immediate advantages. However out of line it may appear to be with Soviet - policy or the secular interest of the Russian people, they see no reason to think that Moscow is likely lightly to abandon it. while the confusion created by Hitler’s appeal to force persists. No Illusions. It may be assumed that British official quarters have entertained no illusions on this point, though the British Government has sought for the fullest mutual understanding with the Soviet Government and, consistent with the principles for which Britain is fighting, for the most cordial and fruitful relations. While, therefore, informed circles here do not exclude either the possibility of some high-sounding declaration emerging from the visit or the likelihood that practical economic arrangements may be negotiated, the general feeling is clearly expressed by ‘•The Times” in the sentence, “M. Molotov will probably prove a good listener.” It adds: "It seems unlikely that he will have taken with him to Berlin full powers to commit his country to a course which would make Soviet Russia an .obedient satellite of German policy in eastern Europe and the Near East.” Feverish Axis Activity. “The Times” sees in the feverish activity recently shown by Axis dipImoacy, "a not unnatural desire to consolidate existing gains while there is yet time,” and says “that hitherto this activity, on the whole, has been singularly unfruitful.” Axis propagandists profess that one of (he reasons for M. Molotov’s visit is a Soviet wish to participate in discussions on the reconstruction of Europe necessitated by Britain’s collapse. M. Molotov may disappoint Nazi leaders by his inability to accept the imminence of a British collapse, because it may be assumed that the Soviet Government lias been at pains to inform itself accurately on the war situation. The view of Russian military experts may perhaps be reflected in a statement of the Moscow radio two days ago that “the end of this war is not yet in sight.” The picture of chaos and distress in Germany and controlled Europe presented in that broadcast hardly suggests that the Soviet Premier will wish to waste much time in negotiating for Russian collaboration witli the Nazis' liet it ions new European order. Turkish Policy. Inspired Axis comment on M. Molotov’s Berlin visit, particularly Unit eniaiialing from Rome, indicates a strong hope (hat I lie outcome of the discussions will be to bring Russian influence to bear on Turkish policy in a sense favourable to Axis plans. The Soviet's recent policy does not appear to observers in London to give good grounds for expecting that this hope will lie realized any more than many others which find expression in the Axis Press and wireless. Thu I Soviet policy was again proclaimed at a recent great military review by I lie head of i lie Red Army as being directed b.i Slaiin with llic consistent purpose of safeguarding llic Russian people from wa r.

As to the well known attitude of Iho Turkish Government, comment on the angle el' Turkish friendship which ims appeared in the last few days in Ihe Turkish newspaper "Hakikanbas” Ims been read in Britain with appreciation. It wrote:—

“Many people are possibly surprised by the deep and sincere friendship between nations which fought each other so stubbornly in the last war. The reason is simple. Turkey is a nation whose only ambition is to develop the resources within her own territory and Britain desires all nations to be able lo do likewise in peace. The sincere

belief of Bril,’lilt in Ibis ideal is proved beyond doubt by l lie importance she attached Io Hie League id' Nations. The fact that she tolerated for so long simply for Ihe sake ol European peace the Fuehrer’s insatiable demands provides a further evidence ol that belief.

"Britain recognizes (lie freedom ol the individual, honour and democracy constitute the only path to progress ami civilization. Britain’s regime and way of thought have been adopted by Turkey, hence tile similarity in outlook and principles between the two nations. Anglo-Turkish friendship is stronger than any Nazi-Fascist combination, which exists only to break down ihe European order.”