The midland journal., 1943-10-15

it worked in regard to the Italian
surrender terms.
Now, what are the main PROPOSE
tions which Britain, America and
Russia do not see eye to eye?
In the first place, there is the ques-
ton of spheres of influence
Balkans, the Middle East, the Medi-
terranean.
have been told by persons pre-
suming to speak with authority, that
Russia suggested the creation of the
Mediterranean commission, body
made up of representatives from
Moscow, London and Washington,
meeting on equal terms. That COM
mission, whoever thought it up, was
agreed upon. Historically, Britain
has always refused Russia any hand
in Mediterranean affairs. That would
seem to be a step forward and even
before the commission could start
functioning, Russia was allowed to
have her say concerning the terms
of the Italian surrender. Agreement
was reached as to the terms.
That would seem to indicate that
conciliatory atmosphere has been
created in advance. Unless Russia
is absolutely unwilling to make COM
promises, we can expect reciprocal
tion when the questions of the Bal
kans and the Middle East arise,
where there have always been SINH
lar conflict of interests.
The Baltic States
Another very sensitive question is
the difference of opinion as to the
treatment of the small nations which
lie on Russia's western frontiers,
notably the Baltic states. 1t is said
that Russia feels that as soon as
the German armies are driven back
into the Reich, these border states,
especially Lithuania and Estonia, a
part of Poland and perhaps part
of Runania 1--WE leave the others
aside for the moment, including Fin
land) are an integral part Of Russia.
The United States, on the other
hand, has always stood for the rights
Of small nations, for self-determina-
ton. Of course, Russia argues that
plebiscites which indicate desire to
join the Soviet Republics have al
ready been taken in part of the
territory and if they were taken
again, they would show the same
results. That they express the will
of the Nationals is denied by rep
resentatives of these countries in
Washington.
Great Britain leans toward an ac-
ceptance of Russia's views how
ever. The point has yet to be settled
with the United States.
An additional point, which is real
ly the one which has always caused
suspicion on the part Of Britain and
America, is the question of commu-
mist propaganda spread by Russia
for the purpose of overthrowing all
capitalist governments. This is bal
anced by the fear on the part of
Russia that capitalist governments
are bent on destroying her as a COM
munist state.
This is tough one admittedly but
not beyond the solution by honest
men. Nor do honest men despair
of its settlement.
Post War Russia
From purely cynical and materi-
al standpoint, it can be argued that
postwar Russians will not attempt
any move against Britain or Amer
lea, either from within by propagan-
da and intrigue or from without by
military attack because they will be
an exhausted nation when the war is
over. Competent observers believe
it will take several generations for
Russia to recover. Therefore, Rus
sia's chief advantage will be gained
by cooperation with other nations
rather than by threats of aggression.
To some degree, that also applies
to Britain. Unquestionably, the
United States will emerge from the
war the greatest military power in
the world. Only combination Of
powers could defeat her. There
rests, then, the moral responsibility
on America of wise and generous use
Of her power-noblesse oblige.
This, admit, is the bright side
Of the medal. But until the attempts
toward tripartite discussion and
agreement have utterly failed, there
is no reason why the medal should
not be presented, shiny side up.
When ! hear you and others say
that men Of 80 and 40 years are
poor fighting material ! wonder if
the white race is not going into de-
cay or that civilization does not do
more harm to men than good.-New
! York.