Evening star., 1943-02-23
Faith, Trust
In Russians
Needed Now
Hitler Attempting
To Divide Allies
BY Propaganda
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.

ny DAVID LAWhENCE.
Efforts to drive a wedge between
Russia and the other members Of
the United Nations constitute a
weapon Of Hitler strategy as pointed
as any he possesses.
Unfortunately there is a tendency
among some groups Of people in
America to be critical of or sus-
picious about Russia and partic-
ularly to be concerned lest Premier
Stain fails to cooperate ir the
making of an equitable peace when
once the war is won.
Again and again one hears the
query: But what about Bolshsvism
after the war, and will not Russias
victories in the war cause Stain
to make demands that are incon-
sistent with the principles of the
Atlantic Charter"
Fuel to the Flame.
These questions are asked inno-
Gently enough. They are not in
spired by Berlin but the Nazis can
take advantage of them and foster
their growth by adding fuel to the
flame.
The best way to deal with this
skepticism is that which both the
United States aand British Gov
ernments have adopted. 1t is ut
ter frankness and mutual trust ac-
companied by cordiality and DEM
onstrations of good faith.
The fact that the United States
and British Governments trust the
Russian Government can be proved
by the evidence just disclosed by
British Foreign Minister Eden who
supplements the splendid report is
sued recently here by Edward r.
Stettinius, the lease-lend admins
traitor.
Material help has been going and
Is going to Russia. 1t has been Of
great avail In the last is months
and the Russians will be the first
to concede that while 1t Is not as
much as is desired, 1t is by no means
inconsiderable.
Thus Mr.. Eden states that 5000
aircraft and $500 tanks have been
delivered between october, 1941,
and December, 1s42, Britain has sent
more than 5000 planes, presumably
Of the fighter type, in which she has
gone into large production. America
has sent $500 planes, presumably Of
the light and heavy bomber kind
In which this country, in accord
.ance with an early understanding
with the British, has specialized.
This Is not phenomenally large
total by any means because now
adays Americas production Of
planes is known to exceed 5000 per
month, but 1t will be noted that
the figures of aid to Russia are
released in about 14-month totals
and 1t is military secret what
the rate of help has become in the
last few months or will be In the
next few months.
Entirely apart from the tanks and
planes, a siZable amount of ma
chine tools, metals, ammunition and
small arms has been sent and the
United States, has begun immense
installations in the Persian Gulf
area looking toward improved trans
port OF war materials to the heart
Of Russia.
1t Is Of the utmost importance
than Russia and the United States
especially should develop the closest
kind Of an accord. For some day
the United States must count on
the use of Russian bases in the Far
East with which to help blast Jap
enese cities from the air. Likewise,
Russia's continuing offensives permit
American and British Armies to
invade the European continent In
1s43.
Emphasis on Ideals.
From a military point of view the
need for solidarity is easily seen,
but under this must be built sound
edifice Of friendship between the
peoples Of Russia and this country.
This does not mean the excesses
committed by the Soviet govern
ment in earlier years trespassing on
freedom Of speech and worship are
either forgotten or forgiven. But
such excesses are not prevented
In the future by remaining aloof
A greater emphasis on American
ideals and the principles of democ-
cracy rs we'll as actual demonstra-
tions OF help In Russia's hour of
need will equip America with a
most persuasive voice on these points
In postwar councils.
Nor need Russia be viewed through
the eyes or deeds OF the misguided
xealots in America who have COM
mitted acts OF sabotage and dissen-
sion here in thee name Of Com
munism. There are, unhappily, per-
sons with totalitarisn instincts In
America who didn't need Fascist
or Communist inspiration to make
them champions Of the doctrine that
the State must be master Of the
people. but such totalitarisns. in
cluding Russian-American Com
nunists, can be taken care of here
at home by debate and discussion
without fear Of what system the
American jury will decide shall be
ours after the war.
The need of the moment is to be
on guard against the Hitler attemp,
to divide the United Nations and i,
Is good news that Britain is meet.
Ing the propaganda attack of thai
type without hesitation. Americs
could well afford to manifest tn,
same attitude.
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