Evening star., 1948-11-14

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that closely watch developments in
the Communist Party in the United
States, it was estimated that al
though the Wallace-Taylor ticket
was uninspiring to the masses, it
would get between 100000 and
1000, 900 votes. This estimate was
revised downward late in July when
a careful survey placed the vote
only at 2,500,000 to 100000.
Apparently only few weeks be-
fore the election Moscow got wise
to the fact that Mr.. Truman was
developing far more strength than
he was credited with by the inform
ers of the American public and
Moscow began to lose interest in Mr..
Wallace.
Truman Tactics Watched
Socialism is, of course, more hated
in Moscow than capitalism because
it has a greater appeal to the
masses. But Moscow was not in
terested in what actually would
happen in the economic fabric of
the United States. 1t was con-
cerned whether, under the new Tru-
man administration, the American
government would be more amen
able to new policy of appease-
ment than during the last two
years.
The news that Mr. Truman had
decided in October to send Chief
Justice Fred Vinson on mission
to Moscow to discuss the interna-
tional situation with Prime Minister
Stain was received in the Kremlin
as an indication that Mr.. Truman
was departing from his previous
stand that IF the Russians want
to talk to me, l shall be glad to re-
ceive Mr. Stain, or whomever he
may wish to send, here in WASH
irgton."
While the report that the Presi-
dent wanted to start conversations
with Moscow got lukewarm recep-
ton by the Politburo, it was indica-
tive to them that there was chance
in the future, if Mr. Truman was
elected, to induce him to change
the American policies in Europe and
Asia.
Reds Alter Tune
Since last week the attitude Of
the Communists in Europe, who
were predicting war within a short
time, has changed. They say now
that there is a chance for some kind
of adjustment of the outstanding
problems between America and
Russia
According to best information,
this change of heart is based on the
following reason: Mr.. Truman will
have to devote all his energies to
putting social reforms into effect in
the United States in the next four
years. This will require not only
his undivided attention to domestic
problems, but also will further bur-
den the United States budget. He
is determined, however, to maintain,
and even increase, the present mill.
tary program for the United States.
and probably for Western Europe.
If Russia maintains her adamant
attitude, Mr.. Truman wills have no
choice but to accept the challenge.
Many of the people who have given
him another four years in the White
House. they say, will not accept a
drastic reversal of his foreign poll
cies so long as the U. S. S. r. re-
mains as openly hostile as she has
been in the past.
But if Russia extends even very
tiny olive branch, there is no doubt
that the American Government and
its people will extend their hands
eagerly. The policy trainers in the
Kremlin muffed the ball soon after
the war when they could have OBJ
tanned everything they wanted by
pretending to be cooperative while,
in fact, they could have continued
their expansionist policies.
All the Kfemlin had to do was to
throw some fine dust in our eyes by
pretending that it was anxious for
genuine world recovery. But the
Oriental mind in the Kremlin did
not then understand those tactics.
The Soviet leaders preferred strong
arm methods.
Russia May Change
There are now straws in the wind.
very vague for the time being, that
with the election of Mr.. Truman.
Russia may wish to do what should
have been done in 1946-use a little