The Wilmington morning star., 1944-03-09

|
setting the stage for one of the most remark
able events in history.
And it is not the invasion.
1t is the uprising of people-milllons OF peo'
pie, in country after country-to choose new
LEADERS. new governments, to remake world!
Upon their choice, in all probability, will
rest the political balance Of hemispheres for
many generations.
| UNDERGROUND organizatons-th acorns from
which these oak trees will grow-have ger
minated in practically every country under
occupation. Their potential power is enormous.
But these underground forces are by no
means united. In Yugoslavia and Greece,
guerrilla groups have already depressed from
enemy resistance to civil war.
Poland is split into two opposing camps, one
inclining toward the Moscow-sponsored Union
of Polish Patriots" the other toward the Lon
don based government in exile.
The French political situation has emitted
sparks in the course of formation of the French
Committee of National Liberation. Disputes be-
tween Gen. Charles de Gualle and Gen. Henri
Giraud at one time caused near breaks in
French ranks. General de Gaulle still has his
difficulties with the French Communists
In France ITSELF the underground has
achieved remarkable solidarity Eight political
groups widely divergent in views have joined
their guerilla forces together into one organi-
cation, the Franc-tireurs ct Partisans. Never
theless the underground is fully aware of the
difficulties and dangers of raising up new
|nation.
In Italy, even as German and Allied shells
mingle in the air. voices are heard above the
tumult. They call for abolition of the mon
archy and the old regime-new bottles for the
new wine of promised postwar freedom
In Belgium, too, there are voices. The I'm
derground talks of farreaching social and
economic reforms, new deal divorced from
past regimes. Meanwhile, the Belgian Gov.
eminent in exile in London plans restoration
of the throne and regeneration of old political
parties.
Even tiny Albania, overrun first by the
Italians and now by the Germans, has its
underground, its guerrillas and its political di-
visions.
But despite all the riffs and differences, when
these forces are released, their influence will
be felt in Main Street and Wall Street, by
John Doe and Mrs. Doe Standards of living
may be altered, government policies swayed,
and the polls reflect the new determination
of people.
That is why what is going on now in Yugo-
glavia, in Greece, in Italy, in Albania, and
dozens of other countries, is important to
Americans-to everyone.
In Poland, political divisions are no less
sharp although so far their battles have been
confined to words tossed back and forth be-
tween the Russian-sponsored Partisan station,
''Koscivscko," and the military underground
station, Swift"
The Moscow-favored Polish Patriots will
have naught OF the present Government in
exile in London, and have taken affairs into
their own hands by organizing National
Council inside Poland to administer Polish ter
ritories freed from German control
In Albaniz, the National Liberation Commit
tee is lined up against the Balkombetar. The
Committee is said to draw its inspiration from
Russia and to have had contact with the Com
munist-4ed Partisans under Marshal Broz in
Yugoslavia.
In Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and
Czechoslovakia, internal political problems
seem likely to be less acute. But even so,
major adjustments will be necessary as re-
turning rulers and statesmen respond to the
demands OF an aroused and realistic people.
The leadership of Communists among the
guerrilla forces of the underground has fur
nished grist for Nazi propa ganda which pro-
claims this as proof that defeat for Germany
means Communism for the world.
While Communist elements are, without dis
pute the most vocal and most active at pres
ent they are not the only forces present.
Many who now follow Communist leaders fol-
low them not because they are Communists,
but because they are leaders Other views
will find expression once the Nazi lid is of.
Great changes will be bound to take place
during this readjustment period They may be
preceded by political and economic upheav-
ais, civil conflicts, and the redefinition OF ma
tional boundaries. Christian Science Monl-
tor.
4