Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-05-08
Practical Unity Seen
In Allied Relations
Russian Moves in Far East
Outside Charter, Says Writer
By David Laurence

Outside Charter, Says Writer
By David Laurence
SAN FRANCISCO, May 8.---Every evil
dence indicates that no matter what
other impressions may be derived from
the maneuvering or bargaining here on
specific points, the relations between
Russia and the United States, as well
as Great Britain, are not only harmoni-
Gus, but may be termed an example Of
practical unity.
Thus there has been much talk as to
whether there will be a Japanese
In no way concerns the conversations
going on here about the charter. For
eign Commissar Molotov declined to
answer a question from correspondents
at his press conference who wanted to
know If Russia contemplated a change
in her Far Eastern policy.
American officials likewise have been
observing a discreet and studied silence
on all phases Of possible entry Of
Russia into the war Military and naval
experts everywhere In the world have
doubtless been surveying the possibili-
ties, and no doubt some Chinese au-
thorities are not too enthusiastic about
a Russian entry into the war, which
might complicate the political settle
ments later on.
No Pressure on Russia.
But all these are to be subordinated
RI tho m in mint which he that prcrio
will decide for herself when and how
she will enter the war, if she ever feels
that such step is necessary. AS for
the United States, there is not the
slightest ground for the belief that Rus
STA is being pressed to make decision
either way.
1t may be assumed that whatever de-
cision Russia makes will be satisfac-
tory to the United States, and it may
even be inferred that any step which
really hastens the ending of the Far
Eastern war will be enthusiastically well
coined by the American people. The
question of whether Russia's entry
would delay the defeat of Japan and
actually prolong the war is as debatable
dS tlic GlicSlS tlldL IL WOulu 6CCcltld US
the ending. The problems of supply
and transportation are very big in any
event. Any military appraisal of land
warfare on the continent of Asia must
take into account the matter Of sending
munitions and equipment to the vast
number of troops which will be needed
for large-scale affair.
For while it is true that Japan has
been defeated on and above the seas
and has lost not only substantial part
of her navy but her air force as well,
it is also true that the Japanese armies
are in a position to wage a prolonged
war on the continent Of Asia.
The average American assumes that
huge Russian armies are available for
the fray and forgets that 1t will take
considerable time to build airbases and
to capture certain supply routes neces-
sary to any operations in Asia. A glance
at the map will satisfy any observer that
supply problems, shipping especially
will be tremendous If war should break
out between the armies on the Man
churian border.
Viewed simply from the standpoint Of
Allied solidarity and the need for moral
support to the new international organ
Russia's cooperation In a substantial
way in every aspect Of the war from
now on, Just as in the past, Is enlinently
desirable.
One Of Best kept Secrets.
1t Is important to record that no on
cial information as to Russia's tnten-
tons or Americas relationship to any
such plan is available. This is one of
the best-kept secrets Of the war period,
and rightly so.
The fact that Russia and the other
Allies are cooperating here in San
Francisco and that the Soviet Union ex-
pressed herself so clearly In her state
! ment last month In which the treaty
| with Japan was denounced, is sufi-
| cient indication that the Russian people
have about the same attitude toward
Japans aggression as have the people
| Of the United States and Great Britain
The debate. therefore, on whether OF
not Japan's entry would increase our
logistic problems or would hasten the
ending of the war is largely academic,
for, whatever way the events may turn,
1t may be taken for granted that any
decisions would naturally have been
planned many months ago.
Russian neutrality on the one hand
would not cause any Ill feeling in
America, because 1t would be under
standable, and Russian participation, on
the other hand, would be greeted en-
Enthusiastically. The choice, however, is
Russia's and she will announce her
course in due time in her own way.
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