The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1944-07-18
Sees A New Russia


A better understanding of what is transplr-
ing in Russia seems to have followed Eric
Johnstons trip and the publicity given his
views, interviews and conclusions than result
ed from any previous visits by Americans
since the U.S.S.R. ard the U.S.A became
allies in this war against common foe
What impresses many Americans in what
MI. Johnston has had to say about Russia
snce his return to Washington is the appar-
ent swing from radicalism to conservatism
of the Stalin regime and the intense national
ism of the Russian people which seems to
have replaced the former internationalism
that contemplated world revolution. There
is new Interpretation of internationalism,
we may infer from Mr.. Johnston's utterances.
which will solicit association with other ma
tons on a friendly and peaceful basis in
trade and mutual understanding, instead of
the world bolshevism dreamed of in the Lenin
and Trotzky era.
1t would appear that among Russia's allies
the United States is looked upon with greatest
fav2r, Mr. Johnston reports that Stain has
been particularly impressed with this coun-
trys production genius-as well he may be
in view of the contribution American indus
tries have made to his war program. When
peace comes, therefore, Russia will turn to
the United States for heavy machinery, rail
road, hydrcelectric and highway equipment
and make part payment in raw materials in
which she abounds and the United States is
deficient.
Important changes in the Russian dream
under Stain are listed by Mr.. Johnston in
this order:
l. A rediscovery and glorification of
Russia's past This was noticeable in the
revival of national heroes, the revival of
historical movies and plays, the revival
of the teaching of Russian Czarist his
tory. Today in Russia, Ivan the Terrible
is called Ivan the Good.
2. A growing intense nationalism. The
Russians because of their war successes
believe strongly in Russian superiority.
They believe they can do anything if they
decide to do it. And they are confident
they can take any punishment if in good
cause.
g. need for long period of peace.
Because of the wars destruction, because
of the wars destruction, because of the
need to rebuild not only towns but whole
Geographical areas and industries, Rus
STA needs time and peace Russla's hope
is to raise the standard of living of the
Russian people by providing more con-
sumner goods.
4. A desire to cooperate with America.
The Russians admire American produc.
ton and want to initiate it. Therefore
they feel closer to America than to any
other country.
5. A lessening of Russian reserve and
suspicion of foreigners. Mr.. Johnston
cited how he was able to take four Amer
lean newsmen with him his swing
through Siberia and the UralS, unprec-
edented development They visited regions
where no foreigner had set foot for almost
20 years.
g. complete desire on Premier Stalin's
part not to engage in further Conflict but
to devote Russian energies to rebuilding
the country, to raising the country's stand
ard of living.
Much of this is so contradictory of what
has been commonly accepted as the Russian
theology it may prove hard to accept without
reservation The tradition of the Red revo.
luton is too deeply implanted in our COM
posite mind to swallow it all at gulp On
the other hand. there have been so many
occasions that Eric Johnston's judgment has
been right there is now good reason to think
he is probably quite near the truth concern
ing Russia. The least the United States can
do when the brave new world emerges from
the cataclysm of war is to offer Russia a
fair opportunity to prove the sincerity OF what
he so firmly believes is Russia's new official
standard of national behavior.