DESIRE FOR PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26621, 18 November 1947, Page 5

DESIRE FOR PEACE

Aim of Soviet Foreign Policy

WARNING TO AGGRESSORS

Rec. 8 p.m. NEW YORK, Nov. 16. Mr Churchill, Mr Byrnes and General de Gaulle were compared with two unsuccessful aggressors against Russia—Napoleon and Hitler — by Mr M. Vyshynsky in a speech at the Council of Soviet American friendship banquet to-night. “We sincerely suggest to all admirers and imitators of that cheap “ hero ” who imagined himself to be a Napoleon without remembering the lessons of Napoleon’s march on Moscow—be they Churchill, or Byrnes, or de Gaulle, that insufferable Joan of Arc as he was dubbed by one of the most eminent American statesmen—not to indulge in dangerous illusions about Russia and to remember the bitter lessons of history.” Mr Byrnes, in his book, “ Speaking Frankly,” relates: “ President Roosevelt on several, occasions referred to conversations at Casablanca in which General de Gaulle compared himself with Joan of Arc as the spiritual leader of France, and with Clemenceau as the political leader,”

To-night’s speech was Mr Vyshinsky’s first blast at General de Gaulle, although previously he has attacked both Mr Churchill and Mr Byrnes. Mr Vyshinsky said Russia welcomed friendly relations with the United States, and believed in the good feelings and goodwill of the American people. He devoted four pages of a seven-page speech, however, to extolling Soviet armed power and a warning of the consequences of aggression. He also dwelt lengthily on the strength of the Societ economic structure. Red Army Strength . “The world was amazed at the strength the Red Army showed in fighting the Germans, and it is now evident that it is a first-class army. The adventurers who are so fond of knocking around in other people’s territories with knives in their hands had better remember it. “ There are; still those who like to think of Russia as the weak Power she was in Czarist days. The peoples of the Soviet Union are willing to help them to wake up. It is high time they got rid of their dreams and tried hard to , v see the world as it is.” Mr Vyshinsky said it was a slander to state that there was no democracy in Russia, no freedom of speech and press,- and no guarantee of human rights. “ The aim of Soviet foreign policy- is to ensure the peace and security of the nations, to strengthen co-operation and friendly relations with all peaceful countries. We have no doubt that/ the American people are inspired by the same desire for peace and friendship with the great Soviet people for the good of all peace-loving nations and of all progressive humanity. Mr K. Zilliacus, a British Labour M.P., addressing the same audience, said: “American public opinion should be quite clear: Mr Churchill does not speak for the British people, and cannot deliver the goods when he offers Britain as an.ally if the United States lands itself in war through its “being tough with Russia” policy. Mr Zilliacus emphasised that he was speaking for himself, and not for his party.