OPINION IN U.S.A.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 August 1939, Page 5

OPINION IN U.S.A.

BEARING ON NEUTRALITY ISSUE

STALIN’S POSSIBLE AIMS.

ELABORATE DUPLICITY

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright WASHINGTON. August 21.

Official circles were startled by the German-Russian move and express the opinion that it will spur President Roosevelt's drive to amend the Neutrality Act in favour of England and France.

There is some scepticism as to whether a non-aggression pact will actually be completed. It is felt that the Soviet may be endeavouring to force England and France to meet her demands for an outright military alliance. It is also felt in some quarters that an agreement would be passive and not aggressive, and it is pointed out that it would merely be a reiteration because the non-aggression pact signed in 192 G has not been denounced.

The “New York Times" in a leader says: “If the step has been long contemplated it seems strange that M Stalin went Io such elaborate lengths of duplicity in initiating the military staff talks with England and France. It would be stranger in view of the Russian reserve and suspicions if the move were a sudden decision. It may still turn out to be grandstand play in a game of playing one side against another.

“If it is a real agreement, it is an event of the utmost gravity. It is easy to imagine M Stalin, as he surveys the sharpening struggle between the Fascist and democratic Powers, resolving to let them fight it out. A weakened and perhaps exhausted Europe would hasten the end of the capitalistic system and offer fertile grounds for the spread of the proletarian revolution. Meanwhile the Soviet could turn with assurance to the East and stiffen her attitude against Japan.