Evening star., 1947-02-24

UQ 10 1lOWs oOl1iC "oJ oA
civilization has survived even the
erayest of these and the world has
constantly expanded in all direc-
tions. But this is not precedent to
be counted upon. That, so Tar, we
have surmounted so many recurring
perils is no guarantee we shall be
forever so fortunate.
That comment from Gen. Mar
shall was not dramatic, dressed up
or poetical, 1t was a simple under
statement of a really appalling sit
uation such as has not existed oe-
fore and which must be clear TO
every thoughtful man. In all quar-
ters of the world, in one way or an
other. chaos threatens. A large part
of the worlds population is starving.
AS a result of the greatest OF all
wars. economic stability has dlsap-
peared from many countries. Armed
conflicts rage here and there; fear
and famine, suffering and olsmay'
injustice, oppression and insecurity
are prevalent as never before.
Domestic Problems Press Everywhere.
In every country, including our
own. relatively untouched by the
war, domestic problems of an almost
insoluble nature press haro. ana
"wrens make prey where eagles dare
not perch"
There are. Of course, many
reasons for this tragic state, but
most men will agree that the over
whelming one is the lack OF under
standing, cooperation and trust be-
tween the two greatest nations OF
all-Russia and the United States.
II these could be joined by bonds
of sympathy, good faith and COM
mon purpose, most of the worlds
troubles could be cured-and the
wrens driven from the eagles perch.
From our standpoint, extraordl-
nary efforts have been made to
secure Russian cooperation. They
have not been fruitful Mr.. Roose-
welt and Mr.. Churchill failed. So
did Mr.. Truman and Mr.. Attlee.
So have-so far-Mr. Hull, Mr..
Byrnes, Mr.. Bevin, Mr.. Baruch and
Mr.. Austin.
They have tried reason and logic,
patience and courtesy, friendliness
and formality, concessions and COM
promises. 1t would be mistake to
say that no progress has been
made-but it is not a mistake to
say that the progress has been dis
couragingly slight; that distrust and
discord have not diminished; that
real cooperation and understand
ing just do not exist.
Bipartisan Support Assured.
Now Gen. Marshall, truly great
man, wholly sincere, eminently fair,
with clear head, fine mind and
O. stout heart, in about 10 days
leaves for Moscow to continue the
American effort. 1t is a momentous
conference. If a sound and con-
structive treaty for Germany can
be agreed upon, a great step will
have been taken. The worlds con-
dition will still be critical but not
nearly so hopeless as it now looks.
For, II cooperation can be achieved
on that, it can be achieved on other
things as well.
To be sure, Gen. Marshall will
60 to Moscow assured of bipartisan
support for himself and the Ameri-
can foreign policies. Also he will
have the fervent and earnest hopes
for his success of the great bulk OF
the American people. OF those
things he is assured. What he can
not be sure of-though he should
be-is that while he is in Moscow
on this delicate, difficult and su-
premely vital task, the wrens at
home will not increase the diff
culties by demonstrations of dis
unity, weakness and folly. If there
ever was a period when the fools
and the demagogues ought to exer-
else restraint, this will be that Pc
riod.
Also, it will be very bad time
for undigested attacks in or out OF
Congress; for silly legislation and
unnecessary strikes; for lopsided
and sensational speeches on either
foreign or domestic affairs; for Grip
pling the armed forces of the Nation
by uninformed and unrestrained
economy; for discontinuing foreign
food relief; for doing anything cal