17 DECEMBER 1954, Page 4

Friendship Through Strength

There is a lesson in the spectacle of the Russian courtship of Yugoslavia, for it is the result not of Yugoslav weakness, vacillation or appeasement but directly of Yugoslav determina- tion at a critical juncture not to yield to threats. Tito's links with the West, though accepted with the greatest care for his own freedom of movement, have been no less open to Russian retribution than the Western policy of accommodation with an armed Federal German Republic. Instead of retribution Yugoslavia is now offered bouquets in the Moscow Press in the name of former friendship.' The President has gone calmly and cheerfully on his trip to Asia, leaving negotiations for a economic affairs which are to be discussed. But the central lesson of fortitude at the right time and place is one for the West as well as for the East.