Evening star., 1942-10-14

lowed to go to Siberia Dy air from
Alaska or to come from European
Russia to Alaska via Siberia. Just
why the Russians have been so
careful to prohibit air travel In that
area is not known but it is assumed
that in view OF the fact that Japan
and Russia are not at war, the
military personnel of the United
States are barred from the sections
which the Japanese consider po-
tential theater of operations on the
part OF the United States.
The speed Of Mr. WILKES trip is
noteworthy. He left Chungking less
than a week before his arrival in
Alaska. II American bombers some
day can travel the same route Mr..
willkie used it would mean a COM
plete change in the strategy Of
Japan in the Pacific, for it would
mean the use of Russian air bases.
Others Cross Atlantic.
All American visitors to China in
recent months who have returned
to the United States by air have
used the Pan American Always
routes through India and the Middle
East and across Africa to the At
lantic, and then to Brazil and up
through the Caribbean Sea.
II the United States could main
tain communication with China via
Siberia. much time could be saved
In sending men and materials by
air. Until, however, the Japanese
Russian rela tions are altered, Mr..
Willkie probably will be the last
American to use that Siberian route.
Mr.. Willkie must have gained the
confidence of Josef Stain to have
been permitted to make the journey
through Siberia, as 1T Is reported
that this permission has hitherto
been refused to prominent American
officials even of diplomatic status.
Despite the sniping by opponents
In Congress. the Willkie trip was
very successful and 1t satisfied the
President who entrusted to his po-
litical adversary of 1910 a special
mission. the nature Of which has
not been disclosed.
When Mr.. Willkie left it was as
sumed that he would be away
through the election campaign, but
the Republican presidential nominee
assured this correspondent and
others that he would be back by
October Is and that he had told
the President he expected to par
ticipate in the campaign.
Puts World Affairs First.
Many of Mr.. WILKES friends
would have preferred to see him
enter more vigorously into the do
mestic situation, especially in en-
deavoring to correct some of the
abuses OF power and mistakes being
made in handling civilian activities,
but the former rival OF the admins
tration has insisted that the present
world situation and the future OF
world affairs superseded in his judg-
ment almost everything else.
The Willkie visit to the Near
Eastern countries made a profound
impression. 1t may be difficult for
Americans to visualize the impor-
tance of the arrival there of
prominent American who occupies a
conspicuous place in American af-
fairs. but there can be no doubt
that much good will is thereby Gre
ated for the cause of the United
Nations when spokesmen of prom
tnence are dispatched to the neutral
capitals.
While Mr.. WILKES statement with
respect to prodding military leaders
about a second front has been the
most sensational factor in his tour,
1t remains to be seen whether the
alleged Indiscretion may not add up
to the advantage of America in the
long run. Certainly the Russian
government knows it has friend
In Mr.. Willkie and that he will ad-
vocate warmly the cause OF the Rus
slams from the standpoint Of maxi
mum aid at the earliest possible
moment.
Time Factor Cited.
Mr.. Willkie, it will be recalled
said also while in Moscow that the
timing of a second front was a
question of military feasibility, and
what he said about "prodding' can
be construed to mean that he hoped
the military men would realize that
In war there is a morale situation
which is equally important.
Certainly. If members of a mill