davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1947-08-17
Wider Cunudiun Interests

From Le Droit, Ottawa
Canada proposes to assume all the response
bilities Of medium power and participate in
the regulations of international problems,
equally Pacific and Atlantic. In participating
IN the work Of u N. 1t expresses it's desire to
collaborate in the establishment of world
union. In going to Canberra it expresses its
attachment to the British Commonwealth.
BY taking large part in the work of rehabii-
tation 1t shows that it does not intend to be
disinterested in Europe But the visit of Pres-
dent Truman and the joint declaration of
Washington and Ottawa dealing with collabo-
ration in the matter Of continental defense
prove, not only that the United States and
Canada propose to maintain their good neigh
Dor policy, but that without breaking her ties
with Europe and the rest of the world, Canada
is more and more conscious Of its American
position and is evolving slowly toward more
and more autonomous foreign policy.
Evening star., 1947-08-17
Red Twilight in Romuniu

Hard on the heels of the suppression Of
all genuine political life, the last vestiges
OF personal and property rights are being
abolished in Romania. That unfortunate
country sinks daily to deeper depths of
terrorism, while economic chaos is being
deliberately created by new currency
stabilizaticn" law that virtually confscates
all privately held money beyond negligible
sums.
The current wave of terrorism is attested
in official reports Of our diplomatic repre-
sentative in Bucharest, which charge that
the Soviet-dominated government Is treat
ing the political prisoners in its crowded
concentration camps as horribly as the
Nazis in their heyday. Leading inmates
are being tortured to obtain Confessions"
in advance of trials" that will obviously
be mockery of justice, while all political
prisoners are held under conditions Of
overcrowding, filth, uncared-for disease,
and starvation rations In the aggregate,
these spell eventual determination.
OF course, all this is in fiat violation
both of international commitments and
of the terms of the peace treaty to which
the Romanian government has formally
subscribed. But repeated protests of the
State Department have been rejected and
likewise denounced by the Soviet occupa-
ton authorities as interference" with
Romanian sovereignty" The Soviet
representative on the Allied Commission
permitted an investigation" of prison
conditions by the Romanian government
which, of course, reported conditions to
be good. No investigation by representa-
tives of the other Allied powers was per-
n1itted. But the evidence gathered by our
Legation in other ways seems to be
conclusive.
The currency "stabiliZation" law, sud-
denly sprung by the Communist dominated
regime, not only DEGREES an immediate
exchange of the outstanding currency for
the new at ratio of 10000 to /, but also
sharply limits the amount thus exchange
able and does so on class basis, workers
being relatively favored while persons of
no classified profession get almost nothing.
The outstanding effects of this financial
coup are to confscate the savings of the
wealthy and well-to-do, increase ruin
ously production costs in privately owned
enterprises, cripple the land-owning peas
ants who have just sold their crops, and
paralyze the entire fabric of economic life.
Furthermore, all boarding of either the
old currency or foreign money is subject
to the most drastic penalties.
This entire program of terrorism and
confiscation, of course, conforms to the
pattern of intensive Sovietization which
is not confined to Romania but is in rapid
process of realization in adjacent Bulgaria,
Hungary and Yugoslavia. Behind it all is,
unquestionably, the hand of Moscow. The
Red twilight over Eastern Europe thus
merges into totalitarian darkness,
Evening star., 1947-08-17
MussoIini's Treasure

ALI Italy is hunting for the treasure
allegedly secreted by Mussolini prior to
his capture and execution" by partisans
in April, 1945. The Supreme Court at
Rome has decided that responsibility for
finding it specifically falls within the
province of civilian and not military
justice" This means that the army's
search, intrusted for while last year
to General Leone zingales, is halted. The
public prosecutor at Milan has been in
structed "to take the task upon himself" +"
Meanwhile, three relatively unimportant
underground" officers are being held for
investigation of their connection with the
disappearance of II Duce's valuables. A
fourth man is fugitive. Several chests
which the late Fascist leader had in his
possession at Dongo on Lake Como in the
last days of his life have been traced to
Communist headquarters in neighboring
towns, but what happened to the bulk
of the treasure is still a mystery"
The whole problem is complicated I'M
mensely by the fact that number of
Mussolinis "executioners" themselves have
been murdered Popular report" cited by
Arnaldo Cortesi, correspondent OF the New
York Times, holds that they were killed
by Communist agents Ito cover up their
tracks" Leftist pressure in any case has
been exerted to handicap the inquiry
started by the military authorities and to
prevent a civilian investigation that con-
ceivably might be successful.
Certainly, it is obvious that II Duce was
Ak,,xo
that he should want to save. A portion
of his treasure undoubtedly was "liqui-
dated" when he was. The rest OF it
probably by far the larger part-may have
been hidden many months before the final
act in Mussolini's tragedy. Such riches
would be worth locating for their intrinsic
value. They also might be matter OF
interest to scholars who still are striving
to read the more inclusive riddle OF the
erstwhile blacksmith's rise and fall.
Evening star., 1947-08-17
Bp Col. ". KIeen


STOCKHOLM, Aug. 16-On the European
continent, the. Russians have Systematically
moved their positions forward and are firmly
entrenched there today The same may be
said to be the case on the Nordic flank be-
cause the military political border has been
pushed from Systerback on the Karelian 18th
mus to the Tornio River on the Finno-Swedish
border.
Having attained these. various jumping off
positions for q general attack westward, the
question Is: Will the Russians dare to follow
up their political offensive with a military one?
The first answer is that they will not, be-
cause the Soviet Unions war potential is OBJ
viously 30 inferior to that Of the Anglo Saxon
powers that war against the latter would
mean defeat and the collapse of communism
But 1t isn't as simple as all that. In revo-
lutionary totalitarian state, anything Is pos
sbie. Hitler was not the only dictator who
figured wrong. Anything can happen at any
time. 1t is therefore wisest to expect and pre-
pare for the worst.
In the event of Russian attack on the
western powers, Scandinavias western coasts
are fully as important to the Red Army as they
once were to the Nazis. For this reason the
Scandinavian countries are exposed to the
or even as the initial move in World War III
The direct road to the Scandinavian west
coast leads across Sweden. The Swedish prob
lem has, therefore, come to be that of Scandi-
navia as whole This is why Russia has vio-
lently opposed Scandinavian military Coop
Grafton. staff talks, etc This also explains
Moscow's advice" to the Swedes to disarm
Russia obviously wants disunited Scandinavia
and q disarmed Sweden to facilitate access to
the Atlantic Coast.
Swedes Are Suspicious.
The Swedes show no signs of wanting to
disarm, however. On the contrary, they have
grown very suspicious and their suspicion has
been increased by the recent espionage excur-
sions of the Soviet Unions Assistant Military
Attache at Stockholm, Maj. Wassin Konnov,
and OF another legation official to the Finno-
Swedish border-territory strictly banned to
foreigners.
There is no reason to suppose that the
Russisns would catch the Swedes unprepared.
But how could they resist Russian attack?
No agreements for joint defense exist be-
tween the Scandinavian countries. 1t is clear,
however, that If attacked they will coordinate
their defense against the aggressor
In spite of added railroad facilities, there is
no chance Of the Russians defeating the Swedes
by an invasion across the land borders The
Evening star., 1947-08-17

| Russians must seek to force q decision In
other theaters and in other ways-amphibious
operations and paratroop landings.
In the matter of seaborne invasion, 1t should
be noted that the Russians are poor sailors.
This in itself need not hinder an attempt to
| land troops on the Swedish coasts. But the
swedes could interpose considerable land forces
| to repel such an attack. An invasion would,
therefore, require big Russian forces and above
all much-and therefore vulnerable tonnage.
| strong and wisely based Swedish air force
should be able to break up every attempt at
seaborne invasion, and aerial reinforcements
from the west would give the Swedish air
force an endurance that would mean perma-
nent protection of the coasts for the. duration
OF the war. The protection is intensified BY
the comparatively large number of submarines
and motor torpedo boats supported by destroy
ers in the Swedish Navy
Grave Threat From Air
The gravest danger to Sweden would without
doubt result from aerial attack and paratroop
landings. There is no hope of preventing such
attacks. But, in view of the present strength
OF Swedish defenses, there is every reason for
thinking that they would hold good until aid
arrived from those big powers against whom
the attack on Sweden would really be aimed.
1t takes quite some time to defeat an army
OF 100000 men in a country of Sweden's mill
tary geographical structure.
During the 1939-40 war, Finland withstood
the Russian mass onslaughts for 100 days, and
under circumstances that were considerably
less favorable to the defender than the case
would be with Sweden. The Swedes ought to
be able to hang on several times this period,
especially If they receive immediate aid from
the other Scandinavian nations In the
interval, the western powers would also have
time to intervene in their own interest.
Swedes, therefore, face the future with a
great deal of confidence. They have no illu-
sions, but are possessed of strong determina-
ton to defend their country
But neither the Swedes nor the other Scan
dinavian peoples want to fight unless they are
attacked. The will to neutrality is strong
among Scandinavians Only in case the United
Nations develops into capable international
organ is it conceivable that the scandinavians
would depart from their traditional neutrality
The prospects for the United Nations look
dark however, because of Russian obstruc-
tionism.
Neutrality can never be unilateral. The
Scandinavians are resolved to defend them
selves against attack from any quarter. But
since the threat Of aggression so far has come
only from one direction, 1t is not the fault of
the Scandinavians If they concern themselves
principally with that direction.
One thing is certain If Scandinavia is left
alone, no state needs reckon with its enmity.
Feelings Of sympathy or aversion are some
thing else, Of course, but they do not belong
in this picture.
North American Newspaper Aliance)
Evening star., 1947-08-17
Tax Duplication Slated
For Extensive STUDY
Some State Practices Called Threat
To Vital Federal Revenue Sources
Bv Gerard n. Pe;Hy

Increasing duplication OF Federal and State
taxes is one of the knotty problems which Con-
gress has elected to tackle during the recess.
Shortly before adjournment the Treasury De-
partment issued an exhaustive report on the
matter which drew so much attention that the
Senate passed a resolution establishing an
investigating committee to explore the subject.
The committee is of unusually high caliber
since all the Senators appointed had previously
served as governors of their respective States:
Bricker of Ohio, Hickenlooper of Iowa, Thye of
Minnesota, Hoey of North Carolina, and
O'Conor of Maryland.
A considerable portion of both Federal and
State revenue is derived from death and gift
taxes, individual income and corporate profit
returns. But although taxes of this character
account for more than half of last years
Treasury receipts, which amounted to $38971,-
100000, excise taxes play much larger part
IN the State picture, as not all States have
graduated income systems.
Cur1ously enough, neither Congress nor the
State Legislatures have exhibited much
originality in selecting the objects Of excise
taxation. Alcohol tobacco. gasoline and admis-
sions to places Of entertainment are subject
to heavy taxation, both nationally and locally
The following table gives revealing picture
OF the overlapping which occurred in the
fiscal year 1916:
Evening star., 1947-08-17
United Front for the Chest

The board of trustees of the Washington
Community Chest has acted wisely in
voting unanimously to re-elect all existing
agencies as members for 1948. revolu-
tionary upheaval at this time, when the
Community Chest Federation is making
plans for what is expected to be difficult
campaign this fall would have inevitably
disastrous effects.
The reasons which the Chests Execu-
tive Committee gave to the trustees for
opposing any change in the present line
up of members are logical and persuasive.
While recognizing the persistence of dis
cussion and criticism from many sources
during the past year." the committee prop
erly feels that the various agencies should
be given chance to profit by the discus
sions-especially by the studies conducted
by the Citizens Chest Study Committee.
The latter studies resulted in three vary
ing reports, none by a majority of the
committee. The Executive Committee be-
lieves, furthermore, that ttime should be
afforded for the existing Chest administra-
ton, or reorganized one, to make COM
prehensive and objective reappraisal of
the Chests functions, and of member
agency functions, with a view to meet
ing constructive criticism where neces-
sary.
Out of such study may come an entire
ly new Chest setup. Consideration already
is being given to a closer integration, If
not actual consolidation, of the functions
of the Washington Chest and the Council
of Social Agencies. Under the new Fed
Grafton arrangement, the responsibilities
of the local Chests are changed. The Fed
Grafton takes charge of the overall fund
raising activities. But the Washington
Chest still has an important job to do.
While delegating to the Federation its
former Embarrassing functions, the Chest
retains its budgeting and public relations
activities. And the Council of Social Agen-
cies still has vital research and planning
work to do. There is much to be said for
a merger of the Chest and Council in the
interest of better coordination of the
closely related functions of the two groups.
Such a coordination would help to obvi-
ate misunderstanding and mistakes which,
in the past, have led to criticism, to the
detriment of the whole Chest movement
The emphasis placed by the Chest on
the need for improved public relations is
well founded. Some agencies in the past
have neglected to keep the public fully
Informed regarding their activities. 1t is
not surprising that misunderstanding and
confusion have resulted. With the status
of each agency settled for the ensuing
year, the way is paved for each member
of the Chest to knuckle down to the imme-
diate task of preparing to support the
forthcoming campaign with undivided at
tention and energy. A rift in the front at
this critical stage Of campaign planning
could imperil the success of an enterprise
which Washington and surrounding COM
munities cannot afford to let fail.
Evening star., 1947-08-17
Economic Accord With ItuIy

The economic agreement arrived at be-
tween our Government and that of Italy
appears to be wise and sensible accord
in view of the prevailing circumstances. 1t
consists OF complex series of arrange
ments between the two countries, the
fruit of prolonged negotiations between
the State Department and an Italian eco
nomic mission sent here for the purpose.
The outstanding features Of the agree
ment are cancellation on our part of debts
owed to us by Italy to the extent of near
ly $1,000, ,000, 900, plus certain liberalizing
interpretations of the terms of the fnan-
cial section Of the italian peace treaty
which will aid that country's frail econ
omy.
The debt cancellation looks impressive,
but most of it consists of American claims
for civilian supplies furnished under the
military relief program and occupation
costs. While the validity of those claims
is unquestionable, their collectibility Is
quite another matter. Certainly, Italy is
in so desperate financial state that any
thing more than token payments would
have been impossible, while the mere ex-
lSLCIlCS VI t11OcC dCUtS WOulO 1ldVC bCCA
a further impairment of Italian credit and
solvency.
1t is clearly in our interest to bolster
Italy's national economy, since anything
like an economic collapse would gravely
jeopardize the success of the Marshall
plan and might even throw Italy into the
hands of a Communist dominated regime.
The best evidence of the soundTess of
our policy is the campaign of criticism and
villifcation currently conducted by the
Italian Communist press, which has as
sailed even the negotiations 1t now comes
out with charges that the italian govern
ment is becoming an economic satellite
of the United States.
This accord will facilitate the negotia-
tions, scheduled to begin shortly, for the
conclusion of an Italo-American treaty OF
friendship, commerce, and navigation. 1t
is that treaty which is the special target
of Communist attacks, and it is considered
certain that every effort will be made by
Communist and allied elements to block
It from the Italian end.
Evening star., 1947-08-17
New But Old

From the New York Times.
In Poland Hungary and Romania, In Yugo-
slavia, Bulgaria and Albania. new tyrannies
have risen to replace those we fought to
destroy A new political underworld has seized
the governments; new dictators strut about
procaming their revolution" threatening
their neighbors and even defying the victors
with what an American note called 'inadnis-
sible irsolence" And the characteristic fea-
ture of their regimes is that while their goals
are dictated by Soviet Russia. their methods
are those of Hitler, with the single difference
that their storm troops wear the Soviet star
instead of the SWastika.
Evening star., 1947-08-17
.'RecessionuI'

1t Is curious circumstance that inde-
pendence should have been granted to
India almost exactly half a century after
the publication Of Rudyard Kipling's
"Recessional." The poem which best
represents the conscience of the British
Empire was printed in the London Times
on July II, 1897. 1t was written for the
second jubilee Of Queen Victoria and was
intended as a correction for the selfish
imperialism of certain expansionists who,
the author believed, deserved such>a a re-
buke. The reaction to the first printing
OF the now immortal stanzas was mixed.
Some readers objected to what they con-
sidered to be the verses radicalism. Others
undoubtedly approved them without truly
comprehending them. The music of the
composition, long prior to the writing of
the musical setting for it by Reginald De
koven, insured its eventual popularity but
not thorough or profound understanding
Of it.
Time was needed to give the "Reces-
sional" the impact Kipling wanted. Five
long, tedious, troubled decades were re-
quired to implement his appeal to the
God Of our fathers, known of old" Two
World Wars at last made real the plea
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget-lest we forget!
Meanwhile, "the tumult and the shouting"
did die and "the Captains and the Kings"
in solemn fact did depart. The "heathen
heart" OF those chaotic years did put its
trust Gin reeking tube and iron shard"
and finally the fire did sink ION dune and
headland." Again and again there were
moments when not merely the "far- flung"
empire but England itself was in mortal
danger under the assault of lesser breeds
without the law" Then came the finest
hour" when the vaster victory-the tri-
umph of the spirit-was won.
Something of that same achievement
was implicit in the words of King George vi
when he said farewell to the Indians, Hindu
and Moslem, last week. The common
wealth for which he spoke has learned
much in the past half century-and prob
ably still has much to learn. But Kipling's
"Recessional' has not been Cancelled by
wild tongues that have not Thee in awe"
nor by "such boastings as the Gentiles
USE" The "pomp of yesterday" is not alto
gether zone with Nineveh and Tyre"
Rather greater grandeur has been added
to that Of the past. The dominion over
palm and pine" has been replaced with a
fellowship which may not be perfect but
which nonetheless Is benefact to
millions for whom the poet prayed: "Thy
Mercy on Thy People, Lord!"
Evening star., 1947-08-17
The Army as q Career

The disclosure that West Point, for the
first time in the 145-year history of the
Military Academy, has shortage of 276
cadets-an all-time records matter for
real concern. Coupled with the difficulties
which the War Department has encoun-
tered in its campaign to recruit an all
volunteer Army, it is evident that mill
tary career no longer holds the attraction
for youth which it once did.
Before World War II shortage of cadets
was virtually unheard of. High school,
prep and college boys competed eagerly
and in overwhelming numbers for the
highly coveted appointments Large num-
bers of young men took the examinations
given by their Senators and Representa-
tives, knowing that only few of their
number would be chosen. So great had
been the demand for appointments that
increasingly stiff tests, both physical and
mental, were devised to raise the quality
of applicants.
Today, however, conditions are different.
Major General Maxwell Taylor, superin-
tendent of the academy, attributes the
dearth of qualified applicants to declin-
ing trend of popularity of the Regular
Army. He points out that the Army is
failing to attract the men it needs, both
in the enlisted ranks and in the officer
categores. He is worried by this outlook,
as he has good reason to be. He regards
the situation as a challenge which peace
loving citizens cannot afford to ignore
a challenge to rebuild interest in an arm Of
defense absolutely essential to national
security while war remains threat to the
world
General Taylor says the shortage of
cadets results from failure of the sources
of appointment to nominate sufficient
candidates able to qualify for admission
and to fill existing vacancies in the corps
of cadets" This does not necessarily mean
that there has been any appreciable short
age of applicants. 1t means that not
enough of those who did apply were able
to pass the rigid tests which the War
Department had raised as barrier in the
days when there were too many appli-
cants Interrupted schooling and lowered
standards of education during the war
years may account for some OF the failures.
The situation gives rise to the thought
that acadeHy entrance requirements