Imperial Valley press., 1945-01-07
ADVICE FROM LONDON
MIGHT WELL BE TAKEN


are becoming more and more outspoken
on what they please to term mo foreign
policy in the United States. This atti-
tude has been more in the open since Sec
retary of State Stettinius elected to Scold
Britain over ignoring Washington in GER
tain moves as to policies in occupied
countries
One leading London periodical sees in
the effort of the administration to keep
consideration of our policies abroad as
much away from public knowledge as
possible as an obstacle in arriving at some
decision. 1t points out that Washington
seems afraid to take the whole business
before the people.
Even more severe is the tone of crltl-
cism, coupled with the advice handed
about by the British press. One COM
mentator said that what is needed is
good old-fashioned debating session
with, as an American would put it no
holds barred"
In other words the British press, and
more bold critics, are irked by the pull
ing and hauling, the failure of leaders of
the United Nations to get down to 'brass
tacks" and fight it all out.
All this sounds rather strange coming
from the so conservative Britishers and
aimed at nation flying the banner of
democracy. And they are right This
country never was farther from de-
mocracy than now. Long before the war
started, and before the world became a
problem in craftsmanship the present ad
ministration at Washington adopted the
policy of shutting the public out and con-
Quoting affairs of government in secret.
This policy became almost intolerable
after the war we'll was under way and
was eased off some only after an en-
ragged people refused longer to be told
only what the Washington powers thought
they should hear"
There is little room for Washington
now to "squeal" as riffs are beginning to
show in policy-making for the postwar
program. Actual breaks loom among the
United Nations and more critical even
than that, among the 'big three"
This critical London Press also turns
is advised to quit being the perpetual
mediator, go-between and universal aunt"
meaning that he should chart Britain's
policy and go along on his own. The
prime minister is taunted for temporiz-
ing with the United States attitude on the
Poland situation and he is advised to call
on Washington to step out in the clear
and take a stand. Churchills critics
taunt him by saying that American criti-
cism of Britain's moves in the Polish
affair are unfair unless the Washington
administration is prepared to take the
disastrous step of making an open breach
with Russia.
In the meantime Russia has defied eth
er a proclaimed or implied opposition
from the other two powers and has recog-
nized the Polish regime as set up in Mos
cow, totally ignoring the government-in-
exile in London to which Churchill and
Roosevelt have been obligated-if indeed
any sincere and definite assurances have
been given the exile regime of actual
support.
How all this diplomatic pickering can
go on without hindering the winning of
the war is mystery. Indeed it is having
just that effect.
One could not help being aware OF
growing restiveness and indignation
among the men upon receiving news of
strikes, as we'll as the reports of high
wages and luxury spending.-Rev. Theo-
dore C. Speers of New York, back from
Alaska.
The men in uniform will set the hands
of the clock to the hour of peace. You,
the workers, stay on that war job or take
one if you are needed. Stay on the job
until it is -Undersecretary of War
Robert P Patterson.