Evening star., 1948-08-03
London Is Cautiously
Optimistic on Results
OF Farley With Stain
RY the Assoeioted Press

LONDON, Aug. 3. London re-
ceived with cautious optimism today
the news of last nights momentous
meeting in the Kremlin.
Although none could read any
sure signs concerning future re-
lationships of the feuding East and
West, Prime Minister Stains two
hour audience with Western power
diplomats caused many here to
take heart.
Still, most of the optimism was
restrained One of the lessons dip
lomats, politicians, newspapers and
the man in the street have learned
in dealing with Russia is to avoid
wishful thinking and false hopes.
But as the morning papers told
the news that the Moscow meeting
ended with American Ambassador
Walter Bedell Smith. French Ambas-
sador Yves Chataigneau and Frank
Roberts, special British envoy, in
high good humor-almost a buoyant
nood-responsible observers seized
on it as a real indication that the
deadlock over Germany might be
broken
Report Being Studied.
A Foreign Office spokesman said
the report from Mr.. Roberts now
is being studied, but refused to
comment on what 1t contained.
The spokesman, limiting his COM
ments to barest essentials. said top
British policy makers are weigh
ing very carefully the report from
Mr.. Roberts, who is Foreign Secre-
tary Bevins principal private Sec
retary.
Mr.. Bevin conferred with Acting
Prime Minister Herbert Morrison
on the report soon after it had been
decoded.
A Foreign Office spokesman said
Mr.. Roberts had no present plans
to leave Moscow This was seen as
indicating the Western ENJOYS eX-
pected to continue talks with Soviet
Foreign Minister Molotov and pos
sibly with Mr.. Stalin
The spokesman said it was un-
likely that there would be any COM
ment or unofficial guidance for the
press on the Moscow talks for sew
eral days. He refused even to say
whether he was optimistic How |
ever. most British officials did not
attempt to conceal their feeling
that the East-West tension had
eased.
Tension Seen Easing. I
Veteran diplomatic reporters said
there already is some easing of the
tension in this capital. Some gov
ernment quarters were described as
moving toward the belief now that
the Soviet Union at last is ready to
cooperate in seeking a solution of
world problems.
In the absence of solid clues as to
what actually took place inside the
Kremlin. there was plenty of spec
ulation to fill the void. The most
hopeful think the Russians may soon
lift the blockade of Berlin, thus
opening the door for comprehensive
talks on the whole German question
and perhaps other issues.
The London Times diplomatic cor
respondent wrote that the Moscow
meeting is "a definite step forward
toward the possible resolution of
the deadlock" The Daily Graphic
noted an leasing of tension
The Daily Telegraphs diplomatic
writer, however thought the pros
pect of a change in Soviet policy
not so bright, citing as an unfavor-
able portent the uncompromising
stand taken by the Russians at the
Danubian conference in Belgrade.
Red Radio Blasts West Again.
Moreover the Moscow radio kept
up its steady drumming against the
West In two broadcasts last night
it blasted again at the Marshall
Plan for Europe.
While Britons awaited some def
mite word about the kremlin con-
ference, there was fairly general
agreement on one thing That what
ever passed between the Russians
and the Westerners it is pretty Ger
tain MI. Stain was tolo that France,
Britain and America have deep de-
sire to cooperate with Russia on a
reasonable, friendly basis
1t is assumed also that he was
informed in a firm way that the
governments of the Western nations
will not be intimidated