SIR,—In your leading article on August 12, referring to the
new Russian attitude, you say : 'We do not suggest that the Russians neces- sarily have some diabolical trick up their sleeves.' I would suggest that the reverse is nearer to the truth.
It seems to be universally agreed that the partition of Germany cannot be maintained much longer, and it is reasonable to assume that Russia will endeavour to obtain reunifica- tion on terms most advantageous to herself. During the cola war she has tried to discredit Western Germany by direct economic and propaganda pressure, and failed.
Since Marxist dogma predicts the eventual economic collapse of the capitalist world, she must believe that she has the time element on her side; and as she is now two and a half times as strong industrially as Germany, she can afford to allow reunification on excellent terms by virtue of her strong bargaining position. This view seems to be well borne out by the recent patching and solidifying of the Communist front, Yugoslavia is being pla- cated, and control in the satellites tightened, as is stressed in your article. All this points to the probability that Russia will make definite proposals about Germany during the next few months—proposals which will leave her in a strong position, if accepted, and yet attractive enough to West Germany to shift the blame for partition to the Western Powers in German eyes if they are not agreed to as a basis for discussion by the West. Even if they are ac- cepted, it would be an immense diplomatic and propaganda victory for Russia, as the initiator—a victory that would doubtless be fully exploited.
If this situation should come about (and why shouldn't it?), the West would seem to be caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. Your article, Sir, seems to have painted a picture, and yet failed to interpret its own
brush strokes. It cannot be doubted that Russia has a good many diabolical tricks up her sleeve.—Yours faithfully,
M. STEWART-SMITH
South Lodge, Chipstead, Surrey
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