INTERESTS IN PEACE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 September 1943, Page 4

INTERESTS IN PEACE

MR EDEN WINDS UP WAR DEBATE HOPE OF GOOD UNDERSTANDING WITH RUSSIA SINCERE DESIRE FOR CLOSEST RELATIONS (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.0 a.m.) RUGBY. September 22. “Broadly our interests do not clash, and all our interests are in peace,” the Foreign Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden) declared when answering criticism in his reply to the debate on the war in the House of Commons. “We want to build a peace system that will endure, - backed by the necessary authority to prevent a recurrence of these scrounging wars.” Mr Arthur Greenwood said there was the sincerest desire that after the war there should be the closest possible relations between Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union. He appreciated the possibility of differences arising between the United Stales and the Soviet. Some, indeed, were already apparent, but not the greatest empire in the world could after this war live unto itself alone. Referring to Britain’s attitude towards Italy, Mr Greenwood said the United Nations had appealed to the Italians to join in the task of ridding Italy of the Germans and liberating their country. He urged that liberation should mean the opposite of the Germans’ conception of “liberation” and said “liberty” should be emblazoned on all the flags of the nations advancing against the enemy. CRITICISM AND REPLY Other members criticised the bombing of Milan and Turin after the fall of Musolisni and Mr Churchill’s absence from England. They also criticised the United Nations for treating with Marshal Badoglio and King Victor Emmanuel. Mr Eden said the kind of Government they wanted to see in Italy was one as broadly based as possible, including all elements and parties of an anti-Fascist character. They would do their best to bring that about, and anyone prepared uo help in the fight against Hitler would be welcomed. The delivery of the Italian Fleet was honestly and courageously carried out. In Corsica, French and Italian troops were fighting together successfully against the Germans. Mr Eden said he agreed absolutely and entirely with Mr Greenwood that they should seek the closest collaboration with the Soviet Union. That was the policy of the British Government and it would be persisted in. When it was said that there could be no collaboration not based on confidence, he agreed, but confidence could not be created by one side alone. He was satisfied that the British Government had nothing to reproach itself with in the matter.

Concerning criticism of the bombing of Italy continued after the armistice, Mr Eden said: “The first Italian envoy arrived in Madrid on August 15. We first received a telegram about it on August 16. He arrived in Lisbon on August 17. Our negotiations began on August 18 and 19—the first day we knew there were people who had some credentials to negotiate. The last occasion of the bombing of Milan was on the nights of August 15 and 16. The last occasion of the bombing of Turin was on the night of August 16. Our information had been extremely accurate. We judged the Italians would not fight and we judged aright. I had grave doubts whether they might not fight. NEED OF FRANKNESS Speaking of Russia, Mr Eden said: “If there have not been as many personal exchanges by leading persons as we would like, it is fair to say that we have made more than our share of efforts to meet our Allies. With that spirit, we shall approach problems. If we are to understand one another, we must be frank. I have always believed intensely in close and intimate relations between this country and Russia. I believe them to be essential to the defeat of the enemy and to lasting peace when the struggle is over. We shall have differing points of view, but broadly , the interests of this country, the British Commonwealth, the United States, the Soviet Union and China are the same. In a few weeks I shall be going to meet my opposite numbers, with a determination to do everything to reach a generous measure of understanding on all problems, so that we can best prepare the way for that greater event —a meeting between M. Stalin, President Roosevelt and our Prime Minister. If we approach the meeting in the spirit of understanding each other’s point of view, and with candour, I believe we shall best prepare for a final understanding. If 'we can do that, even the horrors of this war will not have been in vain. It is to that work we must set our hands.”