Evening star., 1945-06-01
U. S.-Russiun Unity
Believed Undisturbed
Plain Speaking Is as Much Liked
in Russia as Here, Says Writer
Bv David Laurence

in Russia as Here, Says Writer
By David Laurence
Despite outer appearances which might
indicate that Russia and the United
States are at loggerheads, there are
reasons for believing that the unity
which characterized the military opera
tions Of the two countries in the war
against Germany has not been disturbed
and will not be.
Whatever differences have appeared
are on the so-called political or policy
making level. But these reveal no un-
bending or unyielding position on the
part OF Russia. While the relations be-
tween the two governments at times are
exasperating In their slowness Of pro-
cedure and in their divergent approaches
to common problems, there has appeared
nothing to warrant any impression Of an
impaired friendship.
Candor and plain speaking apparently
are as much liked In Moscow as in
the United States. Government spokes-
men who do not beat around the bush,
but call a spade spade, evidently make
more progress than do the diplomatic
representatives who try the circuitous
approaches to the solution Of delicate
problems.
A glance at the record at San Fran
cisco shows that, despite differences of
view, the Russians have done nothing
to imperil the adoption of the charter
along the lines Of Dumbarton Oaks and
Yalta. 1t will be observed that the real
Balkans and in those areas where mill
tary control by the Russians has not yet
given way to the program Of inter
Allied consultations as envisaged at
Yalta.
Hesitation Analysed.
There are two ways of analyzing the
hesitation which Russia has exhibited
toward carrying out the Yalta agree
ments. One Is to assume that the
pledges were disregarded. No one here
would like to accept that explanation,
because 1t doesn't make any sense from
Russia's standpoint in the long run.
The other is to assume that some inter-
nal pressures are staying the hand of
Marshal Stain. but he will endeavor In
due time to fulfill his pledges.
1t has been evident for some time
that Russia after the war will not be
the same as before 1899. Whenever
there are millions of lives sacrificed and
big military victories are won, it is
natural to find large pressure blocs
arising. especially from military groups
One well-informed European told the
writer in San Francisco that he never
believed that Marshal Stain had de-
liberately ignored the Yalta formula
for the creation of a new government
in Poland. This same source insisted
that there was no misunderstanding
about new" government to be ere.
ated and that the quibbling about ths
formula came some time after Yalta
Asked to explain it, he said that h
believed there were elements in tn
Russian setup which told Marshal Stain
fatty that the agreement he made a
Yalta was impractical.
Thus, it is clear, If the Lublin gov
ernment got the upper hand, it woul'
make short shrift Of the representative
Of the exiled government of Poland II
London, whereas the Lublin Poles wer,
likely to be swept out II the Londor
Poles came into power. The idea Of a
compromise that could hold two con-
flicting factions with such Numerically
opposed viewpoints and backgrounds to-
gether was perhaps solution Of ex-
pediency which appealed to the Yalta
conferees but which spelled friction In
Marshal Stain got back from the con-
ference.
Demand for Extra Votes.
Another point along the same line
of reasoning relates to the Russian de.
mand for two extra votes in the as.
sembly of the United Nations for the
Ukraine and White Russia. Obviously
these two votes could not control OF
greatly influence the assembly. Ther
why did Marshal Stain insist on them
The only answer heard among thos,
who know Russian affairs is that i
was necessary for internal reasons fo
Marshal Stain to recognize certain
preSsureS inside Russia for autonomy
This might explain also Foreign Com
missar Molotov's studied references II
public to eventual independence among
peoples in the inundated areas. Coult
he have been making record with al
eye to promising autonomy to certain
Russian republics?
The Russian governments policies ar
inscrutable to the outsider. A heavy cen
sorship prevents free expression or FIRE,
observation inside Russia though in tn
last "a hours 1t has been noted tina
Russia Is agreeing to allow American
and British correspondents into th'
Balkan areas under military control
This is real progress. One is beginning
to suspect that President Truman,
readiness to utilize the services of tw,
stanch American friends of Russia
Joseph E. Davies and Harry Hopkins
Is getting results along with some real
istic presentation here in Washington
Of the American interest in world unity
In the next few months at least, /
would appear that the relations be
tween Russia and the United State
will tend to clarity and undergo sub
stantial Improvement.
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Don't Give Up
From the Garden City (Kans) Telegram
One of the items contributed to tn
WaStepaper drive here SATURDAY. WAS