RUSSIA'S REFUSAL
THE Soviet Union's reply to the Allied Note on Berlin follows the expected lines, which means that it is completely unsatis- factory. The whole sustained argument is a web of diplomatic sophistry. Every accusation against the Western Allies of compassing the division of Germany is refuted by the fundamental fact that Russia made unity of action impossible by violating from the first that clause in the Potsdam agreement which laid it down that Ger- -many should be treated as a single economic unit and by plundering her own zone of Germany in contravention of the agreed principle that reparations should not be paid out ot current production. As for the introduction of a new currency in the Western Zones, that step was only taken when it was plain that it was essential for Germany's economic survival, and after attempts to persuade Russia to discuss currency plans for the whole of Germany had broken down for the usual reasons. Neither has the claim that Berlin is an integral part of the Soviet Zone and that the All;ls have no rights there a shred of validity. Their rights there, and their rights of access by road, rail and air are specifically established in a series of agreements, to which Russia was a fully consenting party. The Foreign Office would do well to publish the texts of these, that there may be no sort of question in any mind as to the entitlement of the Allies to be where they are and to do what they are doing.
But to marshal arguments against the Russian case is a waste of time. The Soviet Note, like all documents emanating from that source, is as much a propaganda manifesto as a diplomatic com- munication ; hence no doubt the precipitancy with which it has been published to the world. The one question to be decided is whether it simply confirms the deadlock or whether any ground for a détente can be discovered. Unfortunately all the indications are that the former assumption is the only possible one. Anyone who will may nourish a spark of optimism on the reference to the " temporary " restriction of communications, but all the indications are that a trial of endurance is in progress, and though the Secretary of State for Air was voicing an obvious truth when he admitted in Berlin on Tuesday that we could not supply the city fully with raw materials and fuel as well as food by these improvised means, the air service is being steadily developed, and it can improve on its present notable achievements very considerably yet. What now remains ? The only basis for further communications is the final paragraph of the Russian Note, where it was indicated that the Soviet Union would "not object to" quadripartite negotiations (there is every reason to think it is extremely anxious for them), but refuses to link them with any preliminary negotiations and stipulates that they shall deal with the whole of Germany and not the Berlin situation only.
That as it stands is plainly unacceptable. The negotiations cannot be entered on while Russia is prosecuting what is little less than open war against the Allies—and half the population of the city—in Berlin. Of that there can be no question. Let Marshal Sokolovsky or his successor discover that the rail repairs can be effected sooner than had been expected, and that the Elbe bridge can be restored with similar expedition, and the question of Four Power talks can be entered on forthwith. Indeed, to save face, a certain simultaneity might be achieved. Even when the talks begin, if they do begin, the difficulties will be immense, for Russia, having compelled the Allies to set up an administration for Western Germany will no doubt demand now that they destroy all their handiwork in the interests of the unity of Germany. That, however, can be left till it arises. The next step is to find a way of enabling the conversations to begin. That they cannot begin while the present situation in Berlin continues is fundamental. The Allies must make that clear beyond all doubt in their next communication. As it is we are where we were. The Russian Note has not materially worsened the situa- tion. It has certainly in no respect improved it.
