Mr. Eden at Moscow
The secret of Mr. Eden's visit to Moscow was well kept, for it was planned long before Mr. Churchill went to America and actually before Japan entered the war. He has had compre- hensive talks with M. Stalin and M. Molotov, and with them and his and their advisers he has discussed all aspects of co- operation in the war against Germany, and has frankly explored the question of extending it to the post-war organisation of peace and security. He arrived at the moment when Russia had passed from the defensive to a formidable offensive, and doubtless, when faced with our new responsibilities in the Far East, he was able to assure M. Stalin that they would not prevent us from con- tinuing supplies to Russia ; now that she is attacking, it is just as important as it was before that we should send guns, aeroplanes, tanks and munitions. He was doubtless able to explain what we are doing in Libya and what we have yet to do in the Pacific, and the importance of Mr. Churchill's visit to America in consolidat- ing an alliance which rests on full understanding between Britain, Russia and the United States. Mr. Eden will have been able to make M. Stalin realise that the Government and the people of this country are bent on breaking down the old misunderstand- ings with the Soviet Union, and that the differences which may still exist will not be allowed to interfere with co-operation after as well as during the war. The conversations at Moscow are a in • nt preparatory step to collaboration in war and to the adoptio la common international policy when peace comes. Complete confidence now exists between the Governments and peoples of the two countries.
