Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-01-29
By Crosby S. Moves
Foreign Correspondent Of The Stor

BERLIN, Jan. 29.-Among the
veteran members of the Ameri-
can delegation here, one of the
most striking things about this
conference of Foreign Ministers
is the performance of Russia's
v. M. Molotov.
The unanimous verdict is that
this is not the same old Molotov.
Something has happened either
to Russia or its Foreign Minis
ter since he last appeared in the
public forum.
If pinned down, these experts
talk about Mr.. Molotov's relaxed
and almost bantering manner at
conference sessions. They note
with amazement that he sud-
denly seems to have acquired
sense Of humor. Above all, they
are impressed by a new flexibil-
ity in his tactical handling of
the Russian case.
Has Answers Ready.
In this conference. it appears
that Mr.. Molotov has his answers
ready when it is his turn to
speak. There are none of the
usual calls for long recesses, no
delays for consultation with the
Kremlin.
While other ministers are
speaking, Mr.. Molotov is furious
ly at work. Since he speaks Eng
fish we'll and has his interpreter
close at hand. he has no need
TO wait for the official transla-
ton. All the while, he works
on his answer. scribbling ex-
tensive notes on a pad in front
Of him.
Early in the conference. OBJ
servers were impressed by Mr..
Molotov's agility at shifting his
ground. His basic positions
might be unchanged. but there
seemed a definite softening of
tone and manner in speeches
that Immediately followed his
opening remarks.
Has Greater Freedom.
It is believed that MIR. Molo-
TOYS freedom of action at this
conference is greater than ever
before. Although instructed on
the main points of Soviet pol
icy. the tactics that he will fol-
low seem to have been left
largely to his own discretion.
Whether this bodies good or i'll
for the Berlin talks or whether
this reflects new stature for a
Foreign Minister in the Soviet
hierarchy still is open to ques-
ton. But the fact itself is plain
enough and never more clearly
illustrated than at yesterdays
session.
There are plenty of theories to
explain the latest rabbit pro-
duced from the Soviet hat-the
proposal for a global arms con-
ference.
The reaction of Big Three was
dutifully reported by various
briefing officers. French Foreign
Minister Bidault threw up his
hands and rolled his eyes. British
Foreign Minister Eden remarked
that discussion of the new pro-
poSal could taks forever. Secre-
tary Of State Dulles said some
thing under his breath which
somehow no one caught.
To say the Western team was
surprised is an understatement.
To say the West is dismayed is
perhaps going too far.
Mr.. Molotov proposed the con-
ference be called within frame
work" of the United Nations.
This appeared to open the way
for the ministers simply to refer
Mr.. Molotov's suggestion to the
u. N.
Not Offered Seriously.
It was generally believed that
the Soviet resolution was not Of
fered seriously. It seemed like
one more propaganda plug by
which the Soviets may try to di-
vide the Western team before
serious business starts.
Among the more interesting
theories Of Russian behavior
current in American circles is
that the Kremlin now is under
strong pressure from Communist