Evening star., 1941-08-24

HOW long Will StdllIl Collti4iuC liiC
struggle with the Axis? Is he willing to
continue an "all-out" war or will he turn
his coat once more at the first indication
that Hitler is willing to call it day
after the Ukraine has been occupied?
How will the democratic theology OF
America and Britain reconcile itself with
the Communistic doctrines of the U. S.
S. r.? For the time being it is only
natural that victims of Nazi aggression
should adopt the Oriental slogan: Be
come the devils brother until you cross
the bridge"
These are questions which many re-
sponsible leader asks now that we are
getting ready to support the U. S. S, R.
with everything we have at our disposal.
The answers cannot be given yet. But
there is a strong feeling in many re-
sponsible quarters that we must be care
full in our dealings with the Soviets.
Imposing American and British mis-
sions are getting ready to go to Moscow.
Their objective will be to find out from
Stain personally the best means of CO.
operation between the western DEM
ocracies and the Soviet dictatorship. At
the request of the hermit of the Kremlin
top-notchers will lead these large delega-
tons The dignity of his Office, Stain
has let us know, does not allow him to
deal with minor figures. Vice President
Henry Wallace is mentioned as the likely
head of the American delegation. Should
his duties compel him to remain in the
United States man with cabinet rank
will be sent to Moscow to represent
President Roosevelt. The same thing ap-
plies to the British delegation; whether
1t will be Prime Minister Churchill,
Anthony Eden or Bevin who will lead the
British to Moscow was still uncertain
at the time of this writing. But Stain
has made it very clear that only the
highest in the land will be welcomed in
Moscow this time.
Realists Fear Opportunism.
The Russians have put up a splendid
and gallant show. Their armies are
fighting bravely and whatever is thought
of the doctrine of their leaders there is
no question that the stand of the u S.
S r. armies is the first ray of sunshine
In the camp of the enemies of the Axis.
But there are many realists in Wash
tngton and in London who, without be-
longing to the reactionary sets, are Won
dering what will happen if these armies
are defeated and compelled to withdraw
beyond Russias industrial belt.
President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill
have promised the fighting Russians un-
restricted assistance. They are not
quibbling about it, either. In their de-
sire to help the only remaining fighting
army in Europe they are asking Stain
only one thing in return, the continual
ton of the struggle Will he do this if
his armies are compelled to retreat
farther or will he at a given moment
listen to some peace proposal from the
Reich? The past record of the Soviets
diplomacy is long chain of actions die
tated exclusively by opportunism.
So far the British, in their eagerness
to find fighting ally, have changed
many of their long-standing policies in
the Middle East. For generations Great
Britain has refused to collaborate with
Russia in Iran. The rivalry between the
two countries in regard to the key to
the road to India is we'll known. Now
London has agreed to share its influence
with the Soviets in that Middle East
kingdom. Premier Stain has been in
formed by Washington and London that
whatever he needs, whatever he thinks
his armies want, can be obtained from
this country. For the time being trans
actions will be strictly on a cash basis.
But the amount of Soviet money in the
country is barely sufficient for three
months if We start shipping airplanes,
tanks and ammunition across the Pacific
in all seriousness
Omit Fighting Pledge.
The Soviets' part of the bargain is to
fight How long and how has not been
stipulated. The missions which are go
ing to Moscow will not indulge in any
political conversations. It is not con-
sidered polite, for the time being, to ask
Stain to subscribe to a pledge not to
make a separate peace. This, in fact,
would be superf1uous, because no govern
ment can keep such pledge in the
event of a military defeat. We hope
that the Russians are not going to lose
but in such an eventuality pledge, such