The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1943-04-23
WNU Service, Union Trust Building
Wa chin ~fas. n n

washington, ID. u.
This month will witness the first
test of how united the United Nations
are. The first of the conferences Of
representatives of the countries al
lied against the Axis are to meet
and discuss food. On the success Of
that gathering, much win depend.
It may be just as well that the
governments linked together under
the very general and very idealistic
statement of principles, the Atlantic
Charter, are going to begin with a
very material, very down-to-earth
and likewise very vital question
food.
It would be too much to expect
to begin at once to discuss the alb
stract subjects which are bound to
arise when the larger implications
Of the philosophy of government are
considered. People have to eat to
live.
1t seems reasonable to believe
that the food question can be han
died. OF course, it can easily be
disposed of if the United States SIM
ply agrees to continue lend-lease
operation indefinitely with no de-
mand for remuneration except
vague promises. That, Of course, is
what the cynical say will happen.
And that brings me to the crux of
the whole question Of Americas role
| in world affairs. If we 60 on the
assumption as the isolationists do,
that heads you win, tails we lose,
and that America is going to be
played for sucker, we might as
well throw up the whole idea of in
ternational cooperation now and put
our heads back into the sand until
the next Pearl Harbor.
On the other hand, the sincere
proponents of international co-opera-
ton believe that America is smart
enough and strong enough and wise
enough, and unselfish enough to help
build the machinery which will at
least make the worlds wheels 60
around little better than they have
so far. We created United States
out of country with every geograph-
ical and political factor that exists
anywhere. We welded into one a
conglomerate people representing
every race on the face Of the globe.
Difficulties Ahead
However, it is only fair to look at
some of the difficulties ahead.
Russia, if not an obstacle, is at
least problem for several rea-
sons. With an Allied victory, Rus
|, STA, both because of her contribu-
tion to the victory and because Of
her size, position and strength, is
vital factor in any world organi-
zation-or disorganization. She is not
actually member of the United
Nations but rather an associated
power as the United States was in
the last war;. She has not made q
clear statement of her war or peace
aims. ..
She is, at present, occupying ter
ritory of what was once free and in
dependent nations; q part of Fin
land, all of the Baltic states, part
Of Poland. -u
Recently, Gardner Cowles, pre-
sunably speaking as a member Of
the Office of War Information, said:
"If Americans don't make an eff
fort to understand Russia and the
h Russian place in the scheme of
things to follow this war, fail to
see how we can possibly hope to
build worthwhile peace.'
n' That, of course, is true. However,
that is only half Of the story. 1t is
mutual understanding that is neces-
esary. Mr.. Cowles might have said:
70, IF the Russian government does
not encourage the people to under
stand America, we can't build a
worthwhile peace" ~
p It is a two-handled jug.
1--WE do misunderstood much about
Russia. We are misinformed on
some points. The Russian govern
ment has failed to inform US on
others. For instance, few people in
this country know and many are
probably unwilling to believe what
Cowles, who ought to know what he
is talking about, says about private
property under the Soviets.
About Property
Workers may acquire any
amount of consumer goods" he
tells US, "any amount Of furniture,
an auto, ETC., for their own use. The
distinction from our economy is that
in Russia, an individual may not
own income-producing property"