Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-02-28

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fulness.
Russian Front
At the moment events in Russia mean
more than events in Africa, because
events in Russia are more disastrous for
the Axis The Red military story last
week lacked the thrill of other weeks,
however, because the advance relaxed
its swiftness. A column still aims at
! Poltava, another at Dniepropetrovsk, a
third at Orel. Now a fourth has begun
an advance toward Kiev, the capital of
the Ukraine. The Sea of Azov west of
Rostov still is guarded by Axis soldiers.
Increasing Axis counterattacks, deep
SHOWS In Orel and Kursk Provinces,
thick mud in the Ukraine and Northern
Caucasus-those three hazards slowed
down the Reds.
1t was more of political than a
military week for Russia Premier
Joseph Stain issued an order Of the day
on Tuesday, the 25th anniversary Of the
Red Army, which brought further out
into the open the Russian postwar ter
ritorial aims
The German occupationists and their
servitors still lord it," Premier Stain
said, lin Byelorus-
Political STA. Lithuania, Latvia
Issues Rise Estonia, in Moldavia, in
the Crimea and in Ka-
relia." The inclusion OF Byelorussia in
this catalogue meant that the Soviet
claimed northeastern Poland Of Latvia
Lithuania and Estonia, the Baltic states;
OF Moldavia, most of Rumania; of
Karelia, Southeastern Finland. These
references create political difficulties be-
tween the Russians and their Allies, be-
cause the sense Of the Atlantic Charter
is that the disposition Of areas like Bye
lorussia be postponed until the people
of Byelorussia determine their own
wishes after the war; because the United
States continues not to recognize the
incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia and
Estonia into the U. S. S. R., and because
the question of Karelia is one of the is
sues in the Finnish-Russian war-a war
in which the United States takes the
neutral stand that Russia takes toward
the United States-Japanese war-and
because Karelia, too, apparently falls
within the purview of the Atlantic
Charter The Atlantic Charter sets forth
a principal Of local option which has
been so widely advertised by Washing
ton that it seems unlikely that even the
most generous wellings of gratitude to-
ward the brave Soviets could inspire its
abandonment where the countries con-
tlnguous to Russia are concerned or for
any other countries.
In celebration of the Red Army's 25th
anniversary the Soviet government is
sued number of reports which throw
some light on why the army has been
able to pound against the Axis now after
the Axis apparently had Russia broken
almost in two. Prof. v Berestnev wrote
in the Soviet Embassy information bull
letin about the army:
1t was, and to many still is, mystery
now SO young an army of so young
state could accomplish this IDEAL Ger
many vigorous and decisive blows, when
collapsed under the blows of the Ger
man war machine.
The answer to this question lies to
considerable degree in the very origin
OF the Red Army, its organization, its
composition and history and its develop
ment. The organizers and leaders of the
Red Army were two great strategists,
Lenin and Stain. The young Soviet
state needed for its defense a powerful,
POLITICALLY educated, highly disciplined,
ei1lclent army. Such an army must be
created by the people themselves and
commanded by men who came from the
ranks and the people, who were su-
premely loyal to the people and esteemed
by them. In creating their Red Army,
the workers and peasants put into it all
their energy, passion and will to win: all
their finest hopes.
Under Stains guidance the country
was industrialized and the entire ma
tional economy placed
Officers Come upon a modern tech
From Ranks meal footing, which
made it possible to re-
arm the Red Army in accordance with
all the requirements of modern warfare.
During the successive flve-year plans,
firearms and artillery we're modernized,
tank building promoted. powerful air
force created and program of naval
construction undertaken.
One of the greatest achievements in
the building of the Soviet armed forces
was the training Of splendid command
ing officers proficient in the art of war
The men and commanders of the Red
Army come from the ranks of the peo-
pie. Another distinguishing feature OF
the Red Army and the foundation of its
strength is its high mortal quality. The
Red Army is trained in the spirit of
| patriotism, of supreme devotion to the
people and love of country But chau-
vnism, ideas of conquest or OF the sub
I jugation of other nations, are alien and
abhorrent to it. From the beginning the
Red Army has been educated to respect
other nations and to cherish and
strengthen peace among nations"
The future may reconcile Stains ter
ritorlal claims and Prof. Berestnevs re-
/ lection of territorial claims.
Gcrmany's armed forces. the major
portion Of which are engaged on the
Russian front are estimated at 1885 ,OOC
plus 100000 military auxilaries, accord
ing to testimony given to the Senate APP
! DrODrla ions Committee last week nv