Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-03-12
us. Falls Behind
in Peace Plans
By ODen L. Scott.

There are growing number Of signs
that the shape of the peace in Europe
now is being determined. This country.
once again, may discover that the real
decisions had to be arrived at before
the United States could make up its
mind upon the course to be followed.
1t is obvious that Great Britain and
Russia have been pressing President
Roosevelt for a number of decisions.
However, there is not much in the way
of assurances that Mr.. Roosevelt can
give right now. He is not sure that he
will be in Office 10 months from today.
He is not on good terms with the Con-
gress that must provide substance to
any agreements finally reached. 1t is
doubtful If he can furnish the British
guarantees that they may require from
the United States If they are to delay
in arranging their relations with post
war Europe.
Seemingly, the situation in Europe is
developing with a speed that does not
permit either Britain or Russia to wait
on the election in the United States
before deciding the course that they
are to follow.
The result is that decisions are being
reached both upon political and eco
nomic matters that do not depend upon
approval of the United States to make
them effective. The Russians have let
it be known very clearly that they in
tend to have their own way in arranging
the peace as it affects Eastern Europe.
The British, through Winston Church.
Ill, have indicated that they accept this
| Russian attitude, which is based upon a
determination to try to assure future
security for Russia against another at
tack from the West
At the same time the British are
| forced to look to their own future secur-
ity, both political and economic. They
had hoped for firm assurances from the
United States on that score but appear
| now to be uncertain about those assur-
ances.
In consequence Britain is having to
look to her position on the continent Of
Europe. Mr.. Churchill has sought to
improve relations with the French lead
to take over in France as the invasion
| progresses. Mr.. Roosevelt had not IA
| vored that course. Jan SHUTS, who is
| the No. 2 leader of the British Empire,
has suggested much closer relations with
the small nations of Western Europe
and even limited that the British might
be able to get along with a Germany
under new leadership. The London
Times, which often speaks for the gov
eminent, has let 1t be known that in its
opinion, Germany should not be carved
up after the war, but that it must re-
main strong economically and politically.
The British attitude toward the King in
Italy Is influenced by regard for Brit
ish interests in the Mediterranean area
and Italy's future ability to affect those
interests.
If Great Britain were certain that the
United States would always stand back
OF her in her postwar relations with
Europe, the British attitude could be
different. An all-powerful Russia in
Eastern Europe requires that Britain
look to her future security in the west.
The same uncertainty that influences
| attitudes in the political sphere also has
its effect in shaping policies to be fol-
lowed in, the economic field.
Great Britain is to face many new
economic problems as a result Of the
war. Much Of the British foreign in
Vestment from which large amount of
income had been received has had to be
disposed OF during war Britain now Is
in debt to nations that had been In debt
to her. She is not sure of steady post
war income from shipping services or
other services. 1t Is estimated that the
British must increase their export trade
by so per cent above prewar Just to
maintain the economic position that
she had
Above all else, Britain appears de-
termined to avoid a postwar depression
and deflation. Her economic salvation
lies in laying plans that will assure an
expansion OF trade and full employment
OF British resources.
| r *
However the economic planners in
Great Britain fear that the United
States will &C through a series of gyra-
tions that will include severe postwar
deflation. They want to avoid the sort
OF economic ties with this country,
through currency arrangements or other
wise, that would force Britain to 60
through the same gyrations that may
| develop in the United States. The
planners in Britain doubt that the Brit
lsh could weather another severe de-
| preston without very serious social and
| political consequences
1t is against this background that
Great Britain is giving thought to the
idea of building a bloc of nations.
whose economies largely are compile
mentary, that would carry forward a
planned expansion of trade. Foreign
trade would be on partially planned
basis, with control exercised over ex-
ports and imports and with trade bal
ances settled periodically to avoid Sc
we're dislocations.
All of this is quite contrary to the
| prevailing American policies which look
toward an unregulated postwar trade.
The point, however, is that other ma
| this country will follow after the war
either in it's attitude toward the rest Of
the world politically, or in it's trade
! policies. There is fear that the United
States will be under great pressure to
| export surplus goods but will not be so
i,c1 70 nit y,