Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-12-12

Alllcu Coiililldllu.
Now the defeat of German
forces in the Balkans has
enabled the Greeks to rise
again. but they are sharply
divided between those who wish
to see their country restored
under a constitutional regime
and those who are partisans Of
revolution, which derives its
tenets and inspiration from
Soviet Russia.
DRESENT occurrences make
4 clear what has formerly
been surmised, namely - that
some sort OF agreement has
been reached between Stain
and Churchill as 10 Russian and
British performance in SOUTH
eastern Europe. .
The Russians have occupie;
Romania and Bulgaria, have
gwen active support 10 the Tito
movement in Yugoslayia, and
are making progress against
the combined German and
Magyar military forces in Hun
gary.
Great Britain secured from
Stain a recognition of her pre-
dominant interest In Greece.
Our own government has re-
garded- this rivalry, and terms
between the rivals with SEEM
ing indifference.
future holds For the
independence of these states re-
mains undetermined. but il is
clear that Russia insists upon
governments the Balkan
states -ffieHdiy-te her, end-trat-
Great Britain will strive 10
maintain a government in
Greece that will he friendly 10
British power and position in
the Mediterranean.
WE KNOW little about the
w governments Of those Bal
kan states held by Russian
power. but IL is clear that the
revolutionary element is in con-
troll.
II is less certain that the
British can assure a regime in
Greece that is against revolu-
ton. particularly If both
America and Russia oppose her.
Speaking 10 the House OF
Com m ons, Prime Minister
Churchill stated bluntly that
British troops in Greece will
crush any armed attempt 10
set up a Communist DICTATOR
ship in that country.
"No government" he de-
ciared, "can have a sure foun-
dalton so long as there are pri-
vate armies, owing allegiance
to n group, party or ideolog =
instead of TO the state and TIM
nation"
Mr.. Churchill also assured
the Commons that-the Greek
people would ultimately have
the fullest opportunity. by a
free election. 10 have the kind
Of government they wish.
whether monarchist or other
wise, and whether right or left
in its character.
GTMILAR internal struggles
~ going on in liberated Bel
GUM, and in partly liberated
Italy have evoked the first
statement of American policy
10 be made by Secretary Of
State Stettinius.
A memorandum issued by the
state department declares that
European peoples including
those of liberated countries,
should be allowed 10 work out
their own governments without
interference. This statement
raises the following questions:
Does it apply 10 Soviet Rus
STA as well as TO Great Britain,
and will our government see il
enforced in liberated countries
throughout Europe?
Does il mean that American
armies will aid i'm the expulsion
German armies from in
vaded countries but will take
no interest in the types of gov
ernments which follow?
Is this statement Of policy a
new one. limiting our interna-
tional participation. or is it an
old attitude derived from our
traditional policy OF iSolation-
ism?
If our government carries
this hands off" policy TO its
logical conclusion. does it indi-
cate that we will refuse to take
responsibility for postwar s0f
Elements, or hold our arnny
power in readiness TO enforce
their permanence?
There has never been a tima
when the American people
seemed so ready 10 participate
in assuring a freer and better
life for all peoples everywhere,
hut do we realize that so-called
international cooperation will
require a constant exertion Of
our influence and our power In
behalf Of the principles Of free.