The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1943-10-29

WNU Service, Union Trust Building,
Washington, ID. G.
Washington watches the swift
march Of events across the Russian
plains. The renewed offensive, more
than half month before even the
Russian people dreamed 1t was pos
sible, has quickened all nerves.
For the Russians, 1t means the pos
sibility Of a sudden peace.
And while Moscow dreams Of the
end Of the war just around the first
snow-covered mound on the battle
field, the Allies are considering the
possibility of what it means to them.
For there Is always that haunting
memory Of a remark of Stalin's in
the back Of their minds-the remark
that the destruction Of the Reichs-
wehr was not condition of German
surrender as far as the Kremlin is
concerned. In addition there is the
realization of the presence Of those
German divisions still intact beyond
the Alps, not to mention the others
still nearer.
Not 1--WE are assured) that Stain
will make separate peace with
Germany but If peace treaty is
written on the stalwart backs Of a
victorious Russian army, what
terms can the Allies insist upon that
Stain need feel called upon to APP
prove unless his own many possible
desiderata are agreed to by Britain
and the United States?
Il does not make the task any
easier for the gentlemen in London
and Washington now carefully Sc
lecting what the well-dressed diplo-
mat should wear in Moscow. One
thing is very certain, no old fash
toned regalia will be in style. There
will be no opportunity for the polite
game where one can risk a little
bluff with fair assurance of drawing
wild joker to four Of kind or color
If Russia holds all the cards.
What Russia Wants
The optimists say that Russia
wants nothing that an honest world
cannot afford to offer, and is willing
to give in return all that an honest
world need ask for. The pessimists
say that even if Britain and America
can be converted to full faith In such
an attitude and intent on Russia's
part, how are you going to convert
communist Russia to an equal faith
in the attitude and intentions of the
capitalistic nations?
Unfortunately, Britain and the
United States have somewhat pain
full diplomatic record in dealing with
Germany when Adolf Hitler held his
aces-the strongest air force in the
world and stable army. We all
bowed down at Munich and, indeed,
(though it has been forgotten) there
was some rivalry for the credit in
achieving a peace in our time that
was no peace. However, with the
help of Russia, the Allies were able
to take Hitler's aces in the end.
And so in certain discreet circles
it has been suggested that the Allied
weakness in the diplomatic field as
far as things to trade with Russia
are concerned, might become a
strength If the Allied joint general
staff became the negotiators. These
gentlemen might be able to offer
what Russia wants most (which is
what we all want)-security. And
these gentlemen might likewise
make demands which Russia would
desire to consider, namely, co-opera-
ton with compromise, refusal Of
which could lead to nothing better
than what Hitler got in the end.
And Hitler's own words, spoken
when he addressed meeting of his
party chiefs and generals recently,
are worthy of note. The fuehrer
suggested for Germany what Britain
and the United States might well
contribute to negotiations with Rus
STA in addition to their diplomats and
their armies and navies.
The Fuehrer Says
'The (Nazi) party's struggle for
power" said Hitler, "set an example
for today's struggle Of destiny Of the
German people arms alone
mean nothing If not backed by the
will of men,"
! The Germans made fatal mis-
take twice in one generation. They
failed to count on the win Of the
American people. II that win is
made clear today, II Americas In
tention is written clearly that all
may see, the intention which we pro-
fess-a decent peace, justice and Sc
curity for all-and If that win and
intent Is backed by the force we
have, nothing can resist it. That In