Evening star., 1946-07-14

peaslng policy was forced on it by the
weakness OF the American political sys-
tenn. Hence there was no reason why
the Russian diplomats should not press
their demands and try to obtain every
the globe.
When the second Paris conference
met in June the Soviet representatives
discovered that Mr.. Byrnes was not in
particularly yielding mood The Soviet
foreign policy can at times give the
impression OF flexibility. And Mr.. Molo-
tov made concessions" In fact, how
ever, neither the agreement that. the
question, of the italian colonies be post
poned for another year nor the "decf-
SION to internationalize Trieste and
the adjacent territories represented a
solution to the problem. They were
mere palliatives to give Russia more
time to press her demands at a more
opportune moment. The international
ization" of the Trieste areas is recoe-
nized as mere makeshift arrange
ment which in all likelihood will last
only few weeks after the last Amer
ican and British forces which are gar
rlsoning the Morgan line have been
withdrawn.
Has No Illusions.
II some OF Mr.. Byrnes' associates in
Paris report him correctly, the Secre-
tary of State has no illusions about
Russla's intention in regard to Europe.
Not only is he convinced that the Mus
covltes intend to stay in all the en-
croached' territory, but he is said tc
believe that they intend to expand their
zone of influence as far west toward the
Channel as possible. Britains actual
weakness and Americas apparent i'm
potence are playing an important role
in Moscow's we'll defined program
There is an American military force
In Europe today. This force is too small
to oppose by force a further Soviet
expansion westward and too large to
keep out Of trouble in the event minor
incidents occur. The American conting-
ents have been left in Germany, in
Austria and on the disputed Italian
Yugoslav line In accordance with COM
mitments made during the war.
President Roosevelt envisaged during
the Yalta conference that the United
States would be able to maintain some
100000 men across the Atlantic for
a number OF years. The suggestion of
his military advisers that as soon as
an armistice was concluded the men
themselves and public opinion at home
would not allow the maintenance of
such large force remained unheeded.
Today the American contingent repre-
sents less than 5 per cent of the num-
Der regarded necessary by Mr.. Roose-'
velt to bring about just peace
Trieste Compromise Explained.
Because of the size of this army and
dangers to which it may be exposed
particularly from some of Russia's
satellites. Secretary Byrnes is attempt
Ing to bring about the signature of
peace treaties which would justify the
immediate withdrawal of the American
forces located in danger spots.
This also will explain in the near
future whatever concessions the Secre-
tary OF State may be willing to make
in regard to Austria where the 1000
men under the command of It.. Gen.
Mark Clark are considered by compe-
tent military authorities as mere
hostages.
The acceptance of Russia's demands
in Europe and other parts of the world
where we are facing overwhelming Red
armies is not, however, the answer to
our desire for lasting peace. Thirst
for territorial expansion and domina-
ton Of other peoples territories is like
an illness which spreads and DESTROYS
all the tissues unless it is stopped by
medical or surgical Intervention. None
OF the western powers have any de-
sire to operate" or to stop by force
Russian penetrations all over the world.
But some Of Mr.. Byrnes' advisers believe
there still is a possibility of isolating
the microbe, by a stern refusal to in
dorse her encroachments and by a
policy OF refraining from any kind of
assistance to the Soviet satellites.