COMMUNISTS ON SOVIET’S SIDE IF WAR CAME

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1948, Page 5

COMMUNISTS ON SOVIET’S SIDE IF WAR CAME

Australian Leader’s Assertion (Rec. 9.35) BRISBANE, Sept. 16' An assertion that the Australian Communists would fignt on the side of the Soviet, if Australia were involved in a war with Russia, was made by Mr G. Burns, an executive member or the Queensland Communist Party in a forum discussion, organised by the Queensland Peopie's Barty. The subject oi discussion was “That Communism is not compatible with personal liberty.” In reply,to a question, Mr Burns said: “If Australia were involved in a war between Soviet Russia and the Western Powers, it would be a conflict between Soviet Russia and American-British Imperialim. We would oppose that war, and would fight on tne side of the Soviet. That is the direct answer.”

Mr Chifley Puts

the Acid on it

(Rec. 10.10) CANBERRA, Sept. 16 The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. J. B. Chifley, said in the House or Representatives to-day that he would ask the Acting Attorney-General, Senator McKenna, to have investigations made into an alleged statement made by Mr G. Burns at Brisbane. Mr Chifley remarked: “In case war does occur, those who talk of fighting on the side of a country other than Australia won’t be doing much fighting. People of that character would be in internment camps.”