DIVIDING THE SPOILS.

Evening Star, Issue 23380, 25 September 1939, Page 6

DIVIDING THE SPOILS.

It is reasonable to assume that the mainspring of Hitler’s policy in joining hands with Stalin was the knowledge that the Nazi arms were heading for defeat. Otherwise, in the light of what he has said in the past, it is difficult to account for the Fuhrer’s somersault. During the last five years he has denounced the Soviet in no measured terms. It was he who founded the Anti-Comintern Pact, which was directed against Bolshevism. In * Mein Kampf ’ he referred to the present-day rulers in Russia as common bloodstained criminals, the scum of humanity, and advocates of lying, deceit, theft, rapine, and plundering. Ironically enough, when his own methods are recalled, Hitler’s virtuous soul recoiled from such practices. He was the spearhead in ‘what he called the struggle against Jewish Bolshevisation of the world. Thus it would appear that the partnership was accomplished under the urge of a great necessity on Hitler’s part. Fundamentally, there is little difference between the Reich and the Soviet. It is a case of Tweedledum and Tweedlodee. Both declare the supremacy of the State; Russia set the example to Germany in its use of mass propaganda. Where Russia has its secret police in the merciless Ogpu, the Nazis have its

counterpart in the Gestapo, from the evil practices of which no man is secure.

Both of the dictators are opportunists. Each is after what he can steal. Hitler is steadily enlarging the boundaries of the Reich. Stalin, with world revolution in his mind, would have Soviets everywhere, making territorial pickings in the process. Meantime, there is much speculation about what is going on behind the scenes. It is said that the final demarcation in Poland grants Russia territory far in excess of expectations, so that she should be content with her share of the spoils. Any development may, of course, occur, but it would appear that with the subjugation of Poland reason for further common military action disappears, and neutrality by Russia may be maintained. When the Russo-German nonaggression pact was signed last month, some interesting comments on its implications were made in London. One, which apparently has come true, was that there was a secret clause in the new agreement under which the two signatories had arranged a new partition of Poland. Another section of opinion, found chiefly among the Left Wingers, was that the Soviets were impatient at British delays and accepted German overtures because they felt that their dignity had been hurt and that they were being trifled with. Diplomatic circles mainly took the view that the Soviets, after weighing the various issues, came to the conclusion that Germany could not win if she decided to fight. Therefore, they had agreed to let the two Capitalist groups destroy each other, leaving the U.S.S.R. and Communism supreme in. Europe. World revolution was the aim of the Soviet leaders in Lenin’s time, though it has never been made clear that Stalin is greatly concerned about such a development. Apart from this, many interesting points arise from the Russo-German pact, which are hidden in a web of intrigue. It will be asked what has become of the eastward drive envisaged by Hitler, taking in Hungary, Rumania, and the Ukraine. Russia, it can be imagined, would not tolerate this for a moment. Hitler and Stalin are agreed over the dismemberment of Poland, but in the larger realm of policy even if they make common cause in the present struggle, there are many points open for disagreement in the future.