Evening star., 1947-01-20
vandenberg Hopeful
On Soviet Relations,
Urges U. 5, Vigilance

rOuF speakers, mcluQ1ng Cna1r-
man Vandenberg of the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee, agreed
last night that progress is being
made toward achieving world peace.
Senator Vandenberg expressed
himself as Cautiously hopeful" over
the prospect of improving relations
with Russia, and added that he
would never relax our vigilance
for one split second"
The Statement drew an enthu-
siastic amen" from william r.
Castle OF the United States Cham
ber of Commerce and Albert S.
Goss, master of the National Grange.
Nelson Cruikshank of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor, taking
part with the other three in MICS
America United" broadcast, had
nothing to say on that particular
point.
Unity of Purpose Stressed.
The business, agriculture and
labor officials laid stress on the
unity of purpose shown m subsidiary
organizations of the United Nations,
such. as those on cultural, economic
and food affairs.
Senator Vandenberg said the
q. N. itself already has tempered"
several situations that easily could
nave started war under the old
order and has initiated movements
which promise vital contribution
toward the substitution of Justice
Tor force in our pursuit of free
world of free men,"
The Senator called Russia "the
worlds greatest conundrum" and
said the question of future Soviet
relations sis the issue upon which
everything else hangs
1T is my personal opinion" he
said, that America is prepared to
live and let live in a. world of peace
with justice despite this rivalry (of
1deaology with Russia, if we are
allowed to do so.
I'VE can neither condone nor ap-
pease conquest. We must require
reciprocal fair play on a two-way
street. There is a deadline beyond
which we will not compromise our
ideals. The answer to this ques-
tion Is largely in MoscoW's hands.
Headway Is Seen.
But I think our present policy of
firm but friendly candor is making
headway." :.
The Senator's description of Rus
sia as "conundrum" summed up
comments by Mr.. Cruikshank and
Mr.. Goss who said business and agri-
culture both want to deal with the
Soviet Union but are unable to get
the Russians to deal or to state
their position.
Mr.. Castle, former Undersecre-
tary of State and Ambassador to
Japan, said business is committed |
to the idea that the only real pros
perity for this country is prosperity
that is everywhere" Necessary to
that end, he said, are relief and re-
habilitation measures after UNRRA
ends, and buying from other coun-
tries as well as selling to them.
Economic Question.
Senator Vandenberg expressed the
opinion that there is no longer any
partisan politics in the fixed and
united American foreign policy"
But said he expects the newly domi-
nant Republicans in Congress to
"ask more questions" on issues of
economic cooperation.
I'VE are bound to inquire to what
extent other countries are going to
continue to make bilateraI trade
agreements for political purposes,
instead Of naultilateral agreements
such as We are committed to un-
dertake." q
The Senator got full agreement
from the other three speakers that
any failure to protect the American
economy would be "as great threat
to the world at large as to the
United States alone"