Anglo-Russian Co-operation
At a luncheon of the Anglo-Soviet Public Relations Committee last week, M. Maisky; the Russian Ambassador, and Mr. Eden both emphasised the closeness of the collaboration between Britain and Russia in putting all their resources at the disposal each of the other in their determination to crush Nazi Germany. But both insisted that this collaboration is not for the winning of the war only. Mr. Eden spoke of the desire of his Govern- ment to put Anglo-Soviet relations on a sound, permanent basis of true understanding, so that the two countries could co-operate in peace. M. Maisky affirmed the Russian Government's desire to co-operate in the post-war reconstruction of Europe and the world. Like Mr. Harriman in his recent broadcast, he did not conceal the difficulties. It is much better to recognise them frankly. On the other hand, it is certainly the case that relations between Russia and Great Britain have again and again been exacerbated in the past either by insufficient understanding of the other's aims or by insufficient give-and-take. In this country there ought to be a far closer study of the Russian economic system and what has been achieved by planning. Prejudice has prevented understanding of Russia in Great Britain and of Britain by the Russians. 'The pursuit of different policies in domestic relations should be no bar to collaboration for international purposes provided there is goodwill. With the removal of pre- judice, with the desire to understand, and with the confidence inspired by working together during the war, Russia and Britain, both peace-loving nations, will have learnt how to co-operate in the constructive tasks of the future.
