OPPOSED VIEWS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 August 1943, Page 4

OPPOSED VIEWS

ON RUSSIAN DIPLOMATIC CHANGES HELD BY CORRESPONDENTS IN MOSCOW. OPINIONS IN WASHINGTON & LONDON. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, August 22. The changes made by the Soviet Government in its diplomatic representation in London and Washington imply no change whatever in Russia’s policy, or in her relations with the Western Allies, declares Reuter’s Moscow correspondent. The recall of M.M. Maisky and Litvinov is inspired by a feeling that their experience can be utilised to greater advantage in Moscow. The Associated Press of Great Britain’s correspondent in Moscow says the retirement of M. Litvinov and the appointment of M. Gromyko, as Russian Ambassador to America, briefly and without explanation was announced on the back page of the newspapers, where obscure diplomatic changes are recorded. The correspondent adds that (Whether the change is coupled with the ’return of M. Maisky to Moscow and the appointment of M. Gusev as M. Maisky’s successor means a change in Russian policy remains to be seen. No indications have been given in Moscow of a ndw post for M. Litvinov and no immediate changes of British and American representation to Russia are foreseen in diplomatic quarters here, but Sir Archibald Clark Kerr and Admiral Standley are both known to be considering early visits to London and Washington. Diplomatic observers in London and Washington note that M. Litvinov’s recall leaves Russia unrepresented by a first-rank diplomat in Washington, London or Ottawa. American commentators say that if the recall is a conscious rebuff to America by M. Stalin it is not surprising in view of the steady deterioration in Ameri-can-Russian relations in recent months —a deterioration which has not been relieved by any manifestations of close accord. On top of matters of international policy on which America and Russia have not seen eye to eye are firstly, the basic difficulty over a second front; secondly, Russia’s absence from the Quebec talks; thirdly, Moscow’s displeasure at the creation of an Allied Military Government of occupied territories and fourthly, Russia's sponsorship of a Free Germany Committee.