Evening star., 1947-08-21
Red Rule Of Europe
Seen in 7 Years if
u. 5. Fails 10 Help
By Eugene G. PuIIiom

Norm Americon newspaper Aiitcnce
STOCKHOLM, Aug. 21-The
Russian menace to peace in Europe
is far more acute today than was the
German threat 10 years ago. Politi-
cally, Western Europe is in the same
state of apprehensive turmoil as in
1887: but economically it is in far
worse shape.
In, every country in Western Eu-
rope, as well as in these Scandina-
Wan nations of the north, the whis-
pered question is, will the Ameri-
cans save us from Russia?"
Already Russia dominates by eco
nomic pressures and controls, by
sheer force of her own armed troops
tWo-thirds of the wheat-producin
lands of the continent. Soviet secret
police are organized and effective in
all the Russian satellite states, and
in every country the Communist
Party is serving as front for Soviet
propaganda dealing in hate and ridi-
cule for Americans.
Russians Widely Feared.
In not a single country visited
have We found any formidable sup
port. for Russia-only fear of Rus
Sia.
There is a strong Communist
Party in France. But Frenchmen
who voted Communist are not pro-
Russian. They fear Russia as much
as other people do. They voted for
the Communists because they
thought it would help their economic
situation.
Now they know they are fooled
by Communist promises. The Com
munists are out of the French gov
eminent and will not get back in
except by a military coup.
But the Russian fifth column is
active in France 1t also is active
in England, Belgium, the Neither
lands, Denmark, here in Sweden
and in Norway. Everybody fears the
Russians. They know they are help
less to defend themselves against
Russia unless America comes to
their aid economically.
| Intelligent and informed people
fear the collapse of incumbent gov
ernments which are striving to pla-
cate and appease Russia with diplo-
matte phrases while looking prayer
fully toward the United States for
aid that will save them from the
menace of Soviet dictatorship.
Stalin's plan for domination of
Europe is much farther along than
was Hitler's in 1897. In that year
Hitler controlled Germany and Aus
tria and had virtual control of
CzechosIovakia. But in England,
France, Belgium, the Netherlands
and in Sweden and Norway there
was tremendous industrial produc
ton; also there were stable govern
ments that could be organized in
opposition to Hitler.
Picture Is Different.
Today there is a vastly different
picture, and it is a tragic one. The
combined strength of Western Eu-
ropean countries-even if it were tc
be organized in unit, which is
utterly impossible-is not sufficient
to check the march of the Soviet
dictatorship.
Lenin laid down the fundamental
plank of Red expansion when
shortly before his death, he ordered
his followers to keep pressing ahead
with unfailing determination until
the Red flag waved in every land
from Moscow to Gibraltar. That is
where the Soviets are headed.
That is their objective, and they
will gain it as surely as the sun
rises in the east-unless the United
States moves quickly to restore in
dustrial and agricultural production
in Germany.
Russia will win or lose In Europe
largely on the turn of events in
Germany. If America moves fast
enough the iron curtain will be
frozen on its present line. If we
falter or back out entirely Russia
will overrun and control Europe
within two years.