Evening star., 1941-07-13

The German invasion of Russia and
the American occupation of Iceland pre-
cipitated thereby are basically parts Of
single picture. In the tormented evolu-
ton of our civilization 10th actions, In
spite of the many differences involved,
are prompted by the same underlying
force. This is the effort, possible only for
the great powers, to achieve an absolute
security for their particular govern
mental systems.
Viewed in retrospect. neither of these
associated developments can be called
surprising.
1t was the increasing efficacy of Amer
ican aid to Britain that prompted Hitler
to strike at Russia with the dual intent
of improving Germany's economic posi-
ton for long war and of disposing in
good time of a possible rival for the
mastery of Europe. This latest German
aggression, in turn, led to the peaceful
occupation of Iceland. which stimuli
taneously promises to relieve the terrible
strain on British shipping, and places
control of an important approach to this
continent in American hands.
If we are to grasp the underlying
meaning of these events it is idle to waste
time on argument as to whether Iceland
can be called part of the Western
Hemisphere, which by esoteric reason
ing would to some make its occupation
by American armed forces seem more
appropriate.
BY the same token not too much is
gained by demonstrating that Nazi Ger
many committed another wanton ag-
gression. this time against an erstwhile
friend, by moving TO destroy the Com
munist government of Russia.
We Accept Use of Power Politics.
The SAD fact is that there are no longer
any effective rules of international con-
duct and that power politics, naked and
increasingly unashamed is in control
Hitler must be condemned for creating
this situation. But other governments,
including our own, will under the guise
of self-defense. at least temporarily ac-
cept the conditions established bv the
Nazis
The worlds great problem is the con-
struction of a reliable peace system which
will replace the present tragic era of
unrestrained and self-determined de
Tense aggressions But the inaugura-
ton of that system clearly awaits the
further arbitrament of war.
Both the American occupation of Ice
land and the German invasion of Rus
STA are temporarily confusing actions.
which will not clarity without as yet un-
disclosed sequels. 1t Is very clear. how
ever, that neither step is complete in
itself
In spite OF stubborn and protracted
resistance. natural enough since the
very existence of Communism as well as
the fate of Russia is at stake, the even
tual military success of the German at
tack is scarcely open to serious question.
But what will follow the disintegration
OF the Russian armies. which it is now
mere common sense to anticipate. is
matter of pure surmise
guess perhaps as good as any is that
the Ukraine and the Caucasus. contain
ing so high proportion of Russias apri-
cultural, industrial and mineral wealth
Will be organized by the Germans as
permanent tributary states. Under pro-
German leadership a Poland eplsroad
and pushed eastward at Russian ex-
pense might then be resmrected. In the
north, Finland will. of course, get its
own back and probably something more.
The remaining disarticulated mass of
European Russia would very hkelv be
lett TO TEND for itself under some form
OF authoritarian regime.
Our Occupation.
Our own occupation of Iceland does
not necessarily foreshadow any such
vista of staggering events. But it is
nonetheless as distinctly an opening
chapter as is the thrust OF Hitlers
legions against the so-called Stain
Line!"
If it was necessary from a defensive
viewpoint to occupy Iceland it may soon
seem equally necessary to seize those
Portuguese islands in the Atlantic which
actually lie to the west Of Iceland and
are much nearer the American coast
AS much was suggested by President
Roosevelt when. in his speech OF May n,