Current Events Review

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Part of Current Events Review

Title: Current Events Review
Issue Date: Vol. IV (No. 2) August 1948
Year: 1948
Language: English
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extracted text: vsmagazine publish.ed for high schoQI students-devoted to the selection, organn, presentation, and review of current news for lessons in current events. >proved for general reading by the Department of Instruction) (Recommended for use in all Catholic schools by the CEAP) "" '°""~" $' •ra..,;.; ''"''om""' Pd••'-"~'"""' ~~ <~ J'' 'h~are the Fa}!fs' ~hin~ the Ba le for the Pe:zce ff~sivaf "' " 'hat is H penf~~, Tci'da in. . °' 'hat i 'Behind the "Operation Squeeze"? 'hat is Rus ·a Doing/in the Far East? orld Trade Opened? 'ho is to be Blamed for the "Cold War"? . IV, No. 2 August, 1948 30 centavos CURRENT EVENTS REVIEW A newsmagazine that completes and makes up-to-date the study of I other social science subjects. DIOSDADO G. CAP~H' 9 3 2 t'OLIC..\.P..PIO G. DAt Editor DOMINGO C. SEU D. R. MANLAPA2 Publisher Researchers NICOLAS ONGKINGKO Circulation Manager VENANCIO NEBR Circulation Represen In this issu<' \\'hal is Happening Today in Yugoslavia? \Vha1 is Behind rh(' "bpcrntion Sqw·('z('"? \\!fiat is Russia Doing in th(' Far East! Is a Ne'\v Path for \Vorld Trad1· Opem•dl \\'ho is lo lw Blamed for tl1e ''Cold \Var"? Thi' Pl1ilippirws and ilw \\'orld Significant \Vorld N('ws Roundup Sp<'dal R<'porl on the Adivilies of thC' L1nited :'\nlions Published monthly except Ma;y and June by MANLAPAZ PUBLISHING CO. 123-125 Reten, Sampaloc, Manila Subscription: P3.00 a year, Pl.50 a semester, 30 centavos per When changing address give old as well as new address. Address cations to the Current Events Review. Copyright, 1948 by D. R. 1\D. G. Capino. All rights reserved. Entered as second-clasii mail m 9, 19_47 at the Manila post-office. Why was the peace olf ensive launched? What are the Facts Behind the Battle for the Peace Offensive? Specific objectives: 1. To get acquainted with the background of the peace offensive 2. To understand the reason for Russia's peace proposals 3. To know why the peace attempt was ignored by the United States 4 . To know the significance of the battle for the peace offensive The true story of the news that thril1ed mil!ions can be written now· after the facts on the Smith-Moloto,v conversations have been made known to the public. The news is about the battle for the peace offensive between Russia and the United States. How did the battle begin? What developments took place?What is the significance of the battle? What happened before May 4, 1948? A "cold war" or war of ideas has been going on between the United States and Russia. Many events in the "cold war" were offensive to RuSsia. Among the&e events were: (1 f the passage of the Marshall Plan, by the United States Congress, providing for economic aid to 16 European nations, (2) the approval by Congress of the sum of $40,000,000 for economic and military aid to China, and ( 3) the determined efforts of the United States to build up its armed forces. The overall strength of the service was increased to more than 2,000,000. A Selective Service Bill was enacted, and a 70-group Air Force was authorized. The march of Communism in Europe forced five Western European nations to World Problem organize the Western European Union. Britain, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxemburg concluded an economic, social, and military alliance for 50 years. The 80th United States Congress approved American support for regional security agreement such as the Wes tern European Union. The United States announced its intention to remain in Korea, Japan, Germany and Austria. The Russian plan of driving the Western powers from Berlin received a rebuff; The three Western powers decided to remain in Berlin. Russia kept the world guessing Russia learned from the above events that the United States is ready to stand by its commitments to preserve world peace. She knows that the United States is ready to give economic aid to nations fighting for the maintenance of their free institutions. She also knows that the United States favors a peacetime military agreement. The result of the Italian election on April 18, 1948, was very unfavorable to Russia. The Communists were defeated, and Russia's plan to divide the Italian people failed. Because of this defeat, the top men of the Politburo, the political controlling body of Russia, decided to change their strategy in Italy. Efforts are being exerted to increase the membership in the Italian Communist party. What will Russia do next? Where will she strike? Has she new plans to spread Communism? These are the questions which have kept the world guessing. * 33 D.id America launch the peace offensiv,e? The United States decided to make clear to Russia her stand on international problems. The American Ambassador to Moscow, Lieut. Gen. Walter Bedell Smith, was instructed by Secretary of State George C. Marshall to deliver an oral statement to Russian Foreign Minister, Vtacheslav F. Molotov, on the position of the United States on world peace. Ambassador Smith met Molotov on May 4, 1948. He outlined America's stand on world peace. He said: "There , should be no mistake about the deter\nination of the United States to play its part in these cooperative enterprises (of preserving world peace) for recovery and self-defense. The aoncern and determination of the people of the United States h'-ve been intensified by the inexplicable hostility of the Soviet Government to the European Recovery Program -a measure which in its inception and subsequent development is obviously only a measure-of American assistance for reconstruction on a Cooperative basis without menace or threat to anyone." Ambassador Smith further told Molotov that the "present state of world affairs involves issues which the people of the United States consider to be vital to the United States' national security and to world peace. No one should deceive himself as to the seriousness of the United States policy with respect to these issues." Molotov was warned that the (1) forthcoming election for the American presidency and the (2) prediction of an economic collapse in the United States will not make the American people change their foreign. policies. The foreign policies of the United States will ·be "vigorously and firmly prosecuted." The door for peaceful~ settlement of differences between Russia and the United States was left open by Ambassador Smith. He told Molotov: 0 As far as the United States is concerned, the door is always wide open for full discussion and the composing of our differences." Why the stand of the United States was made clear The oral statement regarding the stand of America was made clear in or.:. der to prevent the Rus.sians from launching a Sudden war. David Lawrence, a veteran editorial writer of the U.S. News & . World Report, said that Russia has wrong ideas· about "American economic and political conditions. The keymen of the Politburo give a wrong interpretation of the domestic controversies in the coming presidential campaign. They also expect ah economic collapse in the United States. How did Russia react to the American stand? Foreign Minister Molotov asked for a copy of the mellj1orandum read to him by Smith. He invited Smith to see him in the Kremlin on May 10, 1948. Foteign Minister Molotov outlined Russian position on international situations. He said that the existence of Communist leadership in Eastern Europe is due .to the people's belief that Communism is a very good way of life. He made it clear to 'Smith that Russia's opposition to 'the Marshall Plan is due to the fact that it was not don.e through the framework of the United Nations. Foreign Minister. Molot6v said that the establishment of bases in all parts of the world. is a considerable threat to the security and safety of Russia. The United States, according to Foreign Minister Molotov, is interfering in the internal affairs of the countries of Europe. He cited the case of Greece and Turkey. He also claimed that the United States is also showing discrimination in regards to Russian-American trade. Foreign Minister Molotov finally told Smith that the Russian government be34 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 lieves in the elimination of present disagreements and the establishment of good r-elations. Smith's reply to Molotov Ambassador Smith answered Molotov and repeated the sincerity of the United States in promoting world peace. He said that the history of the United States is a clear proof that the building of bases is not ari act of aggressive war. The Marshall Plan is intended to help the countries of Europe recover from the effects of the last World War. The United States' change of policies on trade has been done in view of the Russian expansionist policies. The formation of the Western European Union is the outcome of Russia's march in Europe. 41The United States," said Ambassador Smith, "remain c'onvinced that these minority coups d'etat (Communist minorities coming into power by illegal means and· against the will of the majority of the population) would have been quit~ impossible without the moral and physical support of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics." First offensive in the Battle for Peace Foreign Minister Molotov took the initiative in the "Battle' for Peace Offensive." He revealed the Smith-Molotov conversations in Moscow. The Russian broadcast told the world what had taken place between Molotov and Smith. The story of the Smith-Molotov conversation, however, was not complete. The broadcast told only the Russian story. It omitted many parts of the oral statement of Smith. As a matter of fact, all complaints of America on Russian policies were withheld from the Russian broadcast. Four hours after the Russian broadcast the State Department issued the complete texts of the Smith-Molotov coriversations. Each note· gave a long indictment of the conduct of Russia and the United States. W~rld Problem On May 11, 1948, President Truman ii;aid:;. "The statement made by Ambassador Smith represented no departure from the American policy." The following day Secretary .of State George C. Marshall held his largest press conference since he took office. He told 200 reporters that "General ··Smith did not ask for any general discussion or negotiations. ·We had a long and bitter experience with such affairs. This Government had no intention of entering into bilateral negotiations with the Soviet Government on matters relating to the interests of other governments., The discussion of any proposals in regard to outstanding issues which the Soviet Government may have in nl.ind. must, as a matter of course, be conducted in the body charged with responsibility for these questions. What we, want is action in the fields were action is possible and urgently necessary at the present time." On. May 13, 1948 President Truman made a statement to the press to the effect that his hopes for peace had not been changed as a result of the conversations between Molotov and Smith. What was the result of the first offensive? The Russian broadcast of the SmithMolotov conversations was made in the hope of accomplishing two things. According to the New York Times, the purpose of the Russian government was to calm down the talk of war in Russia. According to the New York H erafd ·Tribune, the purpose was to make the United States a-ppear as being opposed to peace. Second offensive in the Battle for Peace Two events marked the second offensive for the battle of peace. The first was the entrance of Premier Josef Stalin in the picture. Tl:i.e second was the publication of a document showing Rus35 * sian violations of peace pacts and agreements. On May 11, 1948, eight hours after the Smith-Molotov conversations had been released, Henry A. ·wallace, third party presidential candidate, delivered a public address in New York's Madison Square Garden. Wallace read an "open letter'' to Premier Stalin in which he gave a list of disagreements between the United States and Russia. On May 17, 1948, Radio Moscow broadcast the answer of Premier Stalin to the "open letter" of W ~lace. What did Stalin say? He praised the "open letter" of Wallace as the most important document of recent times. This statement was mere propaganda because Russia knows all the areas of disagreements between the two powerful nations of the world. He took the points suggested by Wallace as the basis for settlement of the peace problems of the world. The irilportant areas mentioned were: (1) the control of atomic ene1gy and other secret weapons; (2) the peace treaties with Germany and Austria; (3) the Chinese Civil War; (4) the deadlock over the independence of Korea; (5) the American charges of Russian interference in Eastern Etirope; ( 6) the Russian charges of American interference in G;eece and Turkey; and (7) the struggle over the European Recovery Program. The State Department joined the battle by publishing the documents on the Russian violations of peace pacts and agreements. The documents gave 37 Russian violations of pacts and agreements concerning Germany, Austria, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Korea, and Manchuria. A summary of these violations appears elsewhere in this issue. What is the significance of the Battle for Peace Offensive? What is behind this "Battle for the Peace Offensive" ? 1. Russia has lost the "cold war." A study of the events since January of this year shows that Russia has so far lost the "cold war." Russia has failed to take over all countries of Western Europe. Communism has definitely met a setback in France and a sever4il jolt· in Italy. The Western European Union has been organized, and military alliance among the five Western European nations is taking shape. The European Recovery Program is working according to schedule. 2. The ''cold war" is edging to "cold peace." The probability of an imminent war is farther than six months ago. The "cold war" will continue for sometime. but there are signs that world tension is easing. According to information gathered by the U.S. News & World Report Russia desires peace. It has been revealed for the first time that Russia tried but failed to launch "peace feelers" in January, 1948. A Russian general with the rank of Ambassador tried to convince Robert Murphy, political adviser to the U.S. Military Government iti Germany, that Russia intended to discuss the issues that divided the United States and Russia. The 11 peace feelers" were ignored by tOp American of!'icials. This failure in obtaining recognition for the "peace feelers" forced Russia to speed her offensive in the "cold war" by taking over Cz'echoslovakia and forcing Finland to sign a treaty of amity. In Western Europe, Korea and Italy, Russia, howeve·r, suffered major reverses. 3. The trend toward peace is apparent. Russia has shown a desir~ for peace. 41 Does Moscow really wish an easing of the world situation?" asked C. L. Sulberger, the veteran correspondent from Paris. According to him there are sb;,ong proofs that Russia now desires Peace. "The Soviet populace is weary; its nerves are on edge after a long and fierce struggle, its wounds are not yet healed." In a recent issue of The New Times, the journal which represents the views of (Please turn- to page 53) 36. Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 What is the future of Yugoslavia? What is Happening Today in Yugoslavia? Specific objectives: 1. To understand why Yugoslavia has occupied the front pages of the newspapers 2. To get acquainted with the method used 'in the establishment of a "p'olice state" 3. To know what is going on in Yugoslavia today The newspapers recently carried news of the split between Marshal Tito and the Cominform. Is not Yugoslavia a satellite of Russia? Is not Yugoslavia an advance outpost of Communism in the Balkans? Why was there a split between Marshal Tito and the Cominform? What is happening today in Yugoslavia? Yugoslavia occupies the front pages One of the troubled spots in the Balkans is Yugoslavia. It has occupied the front pages of the news:Papers because of the conduct of the nation and its leader. Immediately after World War II, strained relations between two underground leaders took place. Marsha! Tito, leader of the Partisan Army in World Wo.r JI had a clash with Gen. Mihailovitch, leader of the Chetniks. Gen. Mihailovitch was tried for treason. He was later executed, Marshal Tito also quarreled with Archbishop ·Stepinach. The fighting prelate was chat'ged of collaboration with the Nazis and ::entenced to life imprisonment. Relations between Yugoslavia and the Western powers were strained. During the Paris Conference in 1946, Yugoslavia demanded Trieste. Her demand was opposed by both Britain and the United Foreign Affairs States. In March and April, 1948, charges were hurled against Yugoslavia for terrorizing Italians in Trieste, In 1946, Yugoslavia and the United States nearly came tO a showdown because Yugoslav fighters shot down an American plane over th".! country. The United States made a formal declarati9n against the Yugoslav fighters and 'demanded the release of the American crew. In July, Marshal Tito hurled defiance against the accusations of the Cominform who charged him of developing hateful policies toward Russia. The land and the people Yugoslavia was created after the enCl of World War I out ·of the independent kingdoms of Serbia, Montenegro, and the regions of Croatia and Slovenia which were formerly ruled by AustriaHungary. The state was an artificial "Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.'' Present-day Yugoslavia has an area of 95,558 square miles and has a population of 15,900,000. The three principal peoples are the Serbs, Croats, and the Slovenes. They are called South Slavs. They constitute 5/6 of the total population. The other peoples are the Germans and Hungarians in the North and the Macedonians and Bulgarians· in the East. The Croats are mostly Catholics. The Serbs are followers of the Greek Orthodox faith. The Slovenes are also followers of the Catholic church. What is the nation's economy? The country is engaged chiefly in agriculture. About 85% of the people 37. are engaged in farming, The principal crop iS corn. Animal production is important. The light industries are on flour, brewing, distilleries, and shoes. Handicrafts and forest industries are being encouraged. Domestic troubles The young kingdom was divided by political troubles between the Serbian Radicals and the Croatian Peasant Party. The Radicals wanted a Greater Serbia with a highly centralized government, but the Croatian Peasant ~.arty wanted a decentralized government. Under the decentralized type of government, the Peoples of the different states would be able to preserve their institutions. Elections were held in 1920. In these elections, the Radicals won. This party formed a centralized government which the advocates of the decentralized government boycotted. A series of riots and assassinations which culminated in a civil war followed. Fortunately, the domestic troubles were decreased by the establishment of a dictatorship under King Alexander and the formation of a coalition government. A new constitution was proclaimed, and the official name of the country was changed to Yugoslavia. Foreign troubles Yugoslavia had external troubles too. These troubles were caused by six nations who were not friendly to herItaly, Hungary, Albania, Greece, Austria and Rumania. Italy wanted to get Fiume, Hungary did not like the acquisition of Voivodina by Yugoslavia. Albania resented her invasion by Yugoslavia because of border, troubles. Greece clashed with Yugoslavia over the use of the port of Salonika. Austria made a formal declaration against the maltreatment of Austrian minorities in the Croatian and Slovenian. regions. Rumania quarreled with Yugoslavia because of boundary limits. In addition to :hese troubles, Yugoslavia was forced to become a member of the Little Entente. She formed this entangling alliance in order that she may obtain French loans. She also wanted to prevent •the revision of the peace tre3.ties by Austria and Hungary. B~fore World War II, Yugoslavia, had realized that her position in Europe was weak. The Germans had occupied Czechoslovakia and Austria. Italy had occupied Albania. Her important position in the Balkans was tempting to Hitler. When France fell in 1940, Yugoslavia found her position very uncertain. When Russia ex· pressed her intention of invading the Balkans, Hitler ordered his troops to occupy Yugoslavia. The Nazis formed puppet German governments in Serbia and Croatia. How Yugoslavia WWI liberated The resistance movement made itself felt after King Peter II was dethroned. An exile government was established. General Mihailovitch organized the Chetniks, and Joep Broz, Marshal Tito, organized the Partisans. Both groups con· ducted guerrilla movements against the Nazis. Troubles arose, however, between the two resistance armies. Mihailovitch was accused of collaboration with the Nazis during the German occupation. Marshal Tito was accused of being an agent of Communism. Fortunately the troubles between these two groups were temporarily settled by the Crimea Conference. The Conference recommended the establishment of a government under Marshal Tito. Gen. Drana Mihailovitch al1d his troops were forgotten. In October, 1944, Yugoslavia was liberated by the resistance troops under Marshal Tito with the aid of Russia. 38 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 How the police state was established A police state was immediately established after the liberation of Belgrade, the capital of Yugoslavia. A secret police known as the Ozna was organized. A Servian Quisling was made director. A list of persons with democratic ideas was prepared. MOst of those who believed in democratic ideas were removed from government offices and were tried as war criminals. It has been estimated that about 40,000 people were executed. The young men and women were organized into a Youth movement With Communistic aims and four newspapers were founded to spread the teachings of Communism. To make himself popular with the people, Marshal Tito made use of parades, displays, slogans, anc;i posters. In March, 1945, Marshal Tito proclaimed himself as Premier and Minister of National Defense of the Yugoslav "government." .4 "People's Democracy!" A new government was organized in 1946. Marshal Tito claims that the government is a 41 People's Democracy." According to the constitution, the source of power is the people. Suffrage is granted to all, "except to those who have lost their electoral rights." There are local committees to govern Yugoslavia. The People's Assembly consists of "thirty citizens from each of the Federal Republics, twenty from· the autonomous province of Voivodina and fifteen from the autonomous region of Kosovo-Metahia. The controlling power in the People's Assembly rests with the Presidium. It consists of a President, six Vice-Presidents, one Secretary, and not more than 30 members. The powers of the government, however, are alJ centralized in the hands of Marshal Tito, the dictator of Yugoslavia. Foreign Affairs How does the "People's Democracy" work? The new police state of Yugoslavia is an example of a totalitarian state. In a totalitarian state, the people do not enjoy their rights and civil liberties. They must, however, serve the state. Every industry, with the exception of farming and real estat'es, has been nationalized in the totalitarian state of Yugoslavia. A five-year plan after the Russian model has been adopted for the purpose of preventing the country from becoming dependent on foreign powers for economic living. Evidently the government is more interested in cooperative fanning than in collectivizing the farms. There is no free enterprise in Yugoslavia. Peasants are forced to sell their produce to the governril.ent at a fixed price. The people have given up their civil rights for the salre of "economic democracy.1 " The middle class is being Hquidated to prevent the destruction of the "People's Democracy." Education, like any other enterprise in Yugoslavia, must serve the interests of the government. Government texts are full of military ideas. Teachers must undergo training on the new political ideas of the government. The two famous universities in Zagreb and Belgrade have become centers for teaching the ideas of Karl Marx. In the universities there is no academic freedom, the right to teach what one sincerely believes. The greatest enemy of the totalitarian government in Yugoslavia is the Catholic Church. Because most of the people of Croatia and Slovenia are Catholics, attempts of Marshal Tito to liquidate the Catholic church is meeting strong resistance. Tito, however, is bidding his time for the final elimination of the influence of the Catholic church. (Please turn to page 46) * 39 What do the Russians want in Berlin? What is Behind the "Operation Squeeze"? Specific objectives: 1 . To understand how Germany is governed DY the four occupring powers 2. To understand the reasons behind - Russia's attempt to-drive the Allies away from Be.rlin 3. To understand the significance of the present battle for Berlin Berlin has been on the spotlight since March 20, 1948, because of the Russian 2tttempt to drive the American, the British, and the French forces out of B_erlin. What are the causes of the disagreement among the four occupying powers _in Berlin? What is behind Russia's attempt to drive the democracies from Berlin? \Vhat is the significance of the pressent struggle in Berlin? The four-power occupation Germany, under the four-power occupation, is divid8d into four zones under the terms of tho Potsdam Agreeme11t of July, 1945. The Potsdam Agreement set up an Allied Cont!'ol Commission in Germany and laid down the general principles which the Big Three would follow during the Allied occupation of Germany. The Allied Control Commission is composed of the military commanders of the four zones of occupation. The four zones of occupation are the British, the American, the French, and the Russian zones. The Allied Control Commission would rule Germany until peace has been negotiated with" a responsible German government. The Kommandatura, the four Allied power body, is nominally governing Berlin. Berlin is located within 125 miles of the Russian zone of occupation. It has been called the "Island of Berlin." It is the seat of the Kommandatura. There, the Western powers - Britain, France, and the United States -have a total of about 25,060 nationals, 10,000 of whom are Americitns. In addition to the 25,000 nationals, in Berlin the Western :Powers have also an armed force of 3,500. The chief means of communication be, tween Berlin and the Western zones of occupation is by rail. Four miliiary passenger trains have gone from the West to Berlin. The same number of trains have made the return trip. Military freight trains, carrying food and equipment hav:e also made use of the railways. There is also a road linking the West and Berlin. This road runs parallel to the railways. What events have been taking place before the "Operation Squeeze"? A number of important events had taken place before the Russians began the "Operation Squeeze." The. term is given to the various steps taken by Russia in blockading the railway and road traffic between the West and Berlin. The blockade began on April 1, 1948. The first step that strained the relations between Russia and the three Western powers was the formation of the Bizonia. The term means the combined economic administration of the British and American zones of occupation. The two powers took this step because Russia and the three Western powers had failed to agree OIJ. the political future of the German government. It was agreed at Potsdam that economic unification of Germany should be done for the good of the Germans. The Rus40 * Current Events Review, Vcl. IV, No. 2 sians, however, had failed to bring about the economic unification of Germany. The second step was the establishment of a Russian-sponsored puppet government in the Russian zone of occupation. The Communist-front Socialist Unity party (SED) set up the People's Council, This is the Russian answer to the British-American Bizonia. The third significant event was the approval of the EU:ropean Recovei'y Program (ERP) by the U. S Congress. Russia knows that the operation of the Marshall Plan will streggthen the 16 European countries partidpating in the ERP. Russia is intent on destroying the Marshall Plan. Andrei Zhadanov, powerful member of the Politburo, has said so. The fourth step that strained the relations between the Russians and the three Western powers was the formation of the Western Union. This is 'a union of five European countries - Britain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg. These five countries concluded a 50-year military, economic, and social alliance. The formation of the Western European Union is the answer of the Western powers to Russia's march across Europe which lately included the rape of democracy in Czechoslovakia. The fifth significant event was the formal announcement of the formation of a provisional Trizonial government for Western Germany. The United States, Britain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg agreed to the establishment of a Trizonia for Germany on September 1, 1948. This means the American, the British, and the French zones of occupation in Germany would be combined for political and economic administration. The last significant event was the fateful Italian election on April 18, 1948. During the campaigns, Communism and democracy played significant roles. Russia wanted the Communists to win the election. The democracies wanted the victory of the Christl;ati Democrats. World Problem During the election campaigns, Russia learned that Communism would not win because of the support given by the democracies. The world-shaking election brought victory to democracy in Italy. Out of the six events, five have worked against Russia. Even the "Cold War" has worked out favorably for the United States. Russia, herself, has feit that She. is losing the war of ideas. As a matter of fact, the powerful members of the Politburo have realized that time is against them. "Operation Squeeze" is Russia's latest olfensive Russia's latest offensive in the "Cold War" is "Operation Squeeze.'' This was designed to force the three W!!sterli powers out of Berlin. On March 20, 1948, the Kommandatura held a meeting in Berlin. Marshal Vasily D. Sokolovsky, the Soviet representative to the Kommandatura, demanded that the Western powers submit a report to the Council on the results of the AmericanB~itish-French meeting in London on the future of Germany. The three powers refused. Marshal Sokolovsky then told the three powers th'!t the "Control Council no longer exists as an organ of government." The Russian delegation then stepped out of the meeting. In other ways Russia showed that she was not cooperating with the three powers in the administration of Germany. The Russians boycotted the Kommandatura. They refused to cooperate in any manner with it. On April 1, 1948, the Russians severed the Allied land line to Berlin. Radio Moscow announced that the "Dismemberment of Germany has become an accomplished fact." "Operation Squeeze" has begun. War of Nerves follows "Operation Squeeze" The familiar War of Nerves effectively used by Hitler followed 41 0peration * 41 Squeeze." The term generally means war of ideas to make a nation give up something to the other. The Western Commanders, Sir Brian Robertson, Gen, Lucius D. Clay, and Gen. Pierre Koenig decided to remain in Berlin. Air freight service to Berlin was set up. A formal truce was temporarily agreed upon when the British-Soviet air collision took place in Berlin. The Russians blamed the British for the crash. The British countered by blaming the Russians. On April 7, 1948, Radio Berlin announced that "the governing borly of the German People's Congress has approved preparations for the holding of a plebiscite to be held fr,o.m May 23 to June 15, 1948. The main purpQSe of the plebiscite was to find out if the Germans wanted a united Germany. The Western powers refused to take part in the plebiscite because they know that the Germans want a united nation: Britain, however, tolerated the plebiscite provided that the . Germans in the British zone would not create disorder. On June 7, 1948, the United States, Britain,'. France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg announced a fivepoint proposal ior the creation of a separate federal government in Western Germany. Russia vigorously opposed the Six-power plan for the political future of Germany. The "Cold War" has acquired a new aspect. D~spite the "Operation Squeeze," the three Western powers have refused to leave Berlin. The Russians, on the other hand, have refused to lift the Berlin blockade in spite of the protests of three Western powers. Moscow "has even laid the blame for the blockade on the three powers. What is the significance of the "0 peration Squeeze"? The Russian attempt to push the Western powers out of Berlin is significant. Among other things, "Operation Squeeze" has made clear· the following: 1. Russia must recover. her lost prestige.-Russia is losing the "Cold War.11 The vict_ory of the Christian Democrats in the Italian elections of April 18, 1948, and· the formation of the Western Union were measures designed to warn Russia and to halt the march of Communism across Europe. To recover her lost prestige, Russia must continue her well-planned campaign to discredit the Western powers in Europe, and if possible to drive the three powers out of Berlin. As a tmatter of fact, the plebiscite proposed by Russia has been inter:' preted by the Western powers as a bait to win German support for Russia's ideal of "German µnit¥.'' 2 . Russia is intent on a divided Germany. - Russia has refused to cooperate in the speedy solution of the political future of Germany. The records of the meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Moscow, New York, and London show that· she has deliberately refused to accept the best plan for the future of Germany. Russia wants a Germany that can be transformed easily into a dictatorship. She has been insistent in her demand that a strong government be established in Germany so that a single party could ea.S:ily seize the powers of the g6vernment. The decision of Russia to drive the three Western -powers out of Berlin is part of her plan to keep the Ru$sia,n zone of occupation permanently under Russian control. Berlin is in the Russian zone of occupation. According to Lt. Gen. Sir Brian H. Robertson, the British representative to the Allied Control Council,, the Russians ordered• the Volkseongress "to set up a committee to draw a constitution for a German government to replace the Allied Control Commission when the time com'es." 3. Russia must attain a dominant position in Western and Eastern Europe. Russia is foncing the three Western powers to leave Berlin because .she is behind time in trying to dominate Western Europe. She has seen the operation 42. Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 of the Marshall Plan, the formation of the Western Union, the defeat of Commwiism in France, the defeat of Com·munism in ltaly, the approval of the 70-group air force by the U.S. Congress, and the approval of the Vanderberg· resolution authorizing the U11ited States to enter into defense pacts among free naiions. "They no longer feel that time is on their side (Russian side)," wrote Raymond Daniel, veteran newspdper correspondent in London, "but, on the contrary, that they must move fast to consolidate what they have gained and retain the. possibility of attainingt a dominant position in Western Europe as .well as in Eastern Europe." 4. Russia must have llerlin because it is the symbol· of German unity, - The diplomatic battle over Berlin is the key to Gerinan unity. Winifred N. Hadsel writing in Foreign Policy Bulletin said: "The prize for which Russia and. the Western powers are vying ' is nothing less than the control of Germany and ultimately, because of the former Reich's economic and strategic importance, of all Europe. . . . Berlin would furnish the· Russians themselves and the pro-So:viet Germans with an 'ideal platform from whicl\ ·to address appeals to Western Germany to join their fellow countrymen in the East (Russian zone) in establishing a u,nified Germ8111 sta~." Insist on Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why was the Allied Control Commission set up? 2. Why was Germany divided among the four occupying powers ? 3. Why do you think Berlin was given the name "Island?" 4. Give the s~icance of each event before the Russian blockade of Berlin. 5 . Explain why the events that rook place before the Russian ,blockade were unfavorable to Russia? 6. What was Russia's purpose in an· nouncing a plebiscite? 7. Show how Russia It.st the "Cold War." 8. Do you think a divided Germany is good for the peace of Europe? Give reasons to justify your· answer. ' 9. Give the significance of the "Operation Squeeze." 10. Is there any· solution to- the German problem ? What is it? References 1. Hadsel, Winifred N. "German Unity Key to Issue in Berlin Crisis,'' Foreign Policy Bulletin, Vol. XXVII, No. '1:1 (April 16, 1948) p. 2. 2. Daniel, Raymond. "With Time Against Them, Russians Press Hard, The New YoTk Times, April 4, 1948, p. E3. I 3. "Why · the Latest Moscow Conference Failed," CuN"ent Events Review, Vol. III, No. 1 (July, 1947) pp, 4-8. Si Esopo at ang Kanyang mga Katha-Katha by Dr. PEDRO BUENASEDA, M.D. for pristine, classic and sublime ,National Language. Approved by the Bureau of Priblic Schools and the Institute of National Language DeaJers LIBRERIA DE J. MARTINE?: 296 Doroteo Jose Street, Manila MALOLOS GROCERY M. Crisostomo Street, Malolos, Bulacan World Problem *43 ls Russia building an empire? What is Russia Doing in the Far East? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the moves of Russia in the Far East 2. To understand how Russia became an oceanic power 3 . To understand the significance of the Russian moves in the Far East What is Russia doing in the Far East? Is she trying to take the place of a defeated Japan 1 Is Russia building an· empire? Is Russia sowing the seeds of internal dissension in the Far East? Or is Russia merely building her security frontiers? Russia's main foreign policies The three important objectives of Russia are (1) seeurity, (2) power, and (3) prestige. Russia wants security because she fears an invasion from the Western democracies. John Fischer, an editor of Harper's Magaziri.e, write: "The Russians are even more afraid of the Western Democracies than we are of them. They think of themselves - as Stalin emphasized during the election held on. Fe]/ruary 9, 1946 - as el)circled by hostile capitalist powers, powers that have already invaded the Soviet Union and probably will try to invade it again. This is why Russia is determined to build up a protecting belt of satellite states and outlying bases, stretching from Finland around the Kuriles. Russia wants power because she expects another world War. She wants to r.ecover what she lost in the last global war: money, industrial plants, and human lives. In the Battle of Stalingrad alone, Russia lost 7,000,000 men, Russia wants prestige because her position in the last war suffered greatly. She must erase from the minds of the people the belief that American Lendlease helped the Russians win the battle. Bernard Baruch writing in a recent issue of The Saturday Evening. Post said: "Without American trucks, tires, and locomotives and such items as 52,000 jeeps, 35,000 motorcycles, 415,000 telephone sets, 15,000,000 pairs of soldiers' boots and 4,000,000 tons of food, the Red Army never could have achieved the superior mobility which was one of its principal military advantages over the Germans." Warning from the Politburo In July, 1948, the powerful political controlling body of Russia, the Politburo, issued this warning in the Soviet press; "American imperialists have pJan~d themselves solidly in the Far East. They are converting Japan into a colony, a dependency of American capital. American imperialists in Japan are attempting to create a base from which to grab the entire Far East." Victpr A. Kravehenko, a former Soviet official, has recently revealed the true intention of Russia toward the Western World. He revealed that an admiral of the Soviet Pacific Fleet was given this: "We must convert our Soviet East, the Urals, and Siberia into a powerful "fist, abundantly supplied with oil and prepared to strike, if necessary, like a universal joint, either toward· the east or toward the west. After the inevitable victory over German and Japanese Fascism, the USSR will still be encircled by capitalism. Great clouds will roll up in the east." 44 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 Russia has become a great Pacific power Russia has become the greatest Far Eastern power in the Pacific after tl:e end of the World War II. Russia regained the Kuriles. (These are the 32 islands which she lost to Japan in 1875.) Russia also regained the southern half of Sakhalin island which was ac;quired by Japan from Russia after the RussoJapanese War in 1904-1905. The southern half of S3.khalin is not only strategically important in the defense of Russia, but it is also· ec"Onomically desirable. It is rich in coal, oil, and timber. Russia was 'given concessions in Manchuria. She was als'o given the right to use Port Arthur joindy with the Chinese, the full control of the defense of the Port Arthur Naval base, and the joint control with the Chinese of the Manchurian port of Dairen. Russia also acquired, joint ownership with. China of the principal Manchurian railways. The Yalta secret deals also provided for tbe recognition 'of Outer Mongolia as an independent Soviet Republic should the people in a plebiscite decide to become independent. What is the Soviet pattern for China? How is Communism working in China? The principle, "Divide and Rule" 'is at work in China. On April 6, 1927, the office of the Military Attacbe of the Soviet Embassy at Peking was raided by agents of the Chinese go·vernment. Documents were found and seized. These papers show that the Russian polky was Divide et impera or "Divide and Rule." William Henry Chamberlain wrote an article in a recent issue of Human Events. He said there is a pattern for the conquest of China. "A Soviet pattern is unfolding for China: less swiftly than for the snialler and more digestible countries of Eastern Europe, but no less. World Affairs plainly. 'l'bis pattern may be briefly summarized as the exploitation of internal forces or revolt and division for purposes of over-all Soviet imperialist control." Communism is taking advantage of the problems of discord, hunger, and inflation. The Communists know that by taking advantage o:f these problems, they could make China so weak internally- that sooner or later she would fall under the control of Russia. What is Russia doing in Manchuria? Manchuria, the richest part of China, is . under the sphere of Russia. Today the country is practically in the hands of Communists. The country is working against great odds in her effort to speed up her economic recovery. She was stripped of her industrial machinery immediately after World War II by the Russians who took away valuable industrial factories as war reparations. Manchuria is now run by the Communists. These Communists have formed cells and have joined labor unions. They are also t'rying to convert mOre Chinese to Communism. Manchuria has thus become a Russian satellite in the East. What is Russia doing in Korea? Korea is divided at the 38th parallel between the Russian and the American occupation forces. The north is under the Russian forces of occupation, while the 'south is under the American forces. T~e Russians are trying to make their zone of occupation in Korea the "springboard" for the next war in the Pacific. A "People's Republic" was established. An estimated 400,000 Koreans have been trained for military service by the Red Army. The Russians believe that the "People's Republic" will take over the entire peninsula when the American forces withdraw from the south. They also predict the "absorption of the National Assembly elected by the Koreans • 45 in the American zone of occµpation on May 10, 1948. What is Russia doing in Japan? Russia is busy laying the groundwork for Communist advance in Japan. Russia knows that Japan is a potential threat to her safety. Russian military experts know that rocket bombs from Japan would endanger the Russian Army and the secret arsenals in Siberia. Russia also knows that she is not in a position to get immediate control of Japan. There a:re two reasons for this: (1) Japan fears Russian Communism, (2) Japan has a traditional hatred for Russia. Russia, however, is trying to malte contact with the Japanese Communist party headed by Sanzo Nosaka and Toshio Shiga. 11 Basicaliy, Japanese society is not a good soil for Communist propaganda," wrote Harold J. Noble in a recent issue of The Saturday Evening Post. "The Communists in Japan are still feeble, but their power in key unions is strong and among teachers, widespread." What is Russia doing in India and in the South? A new Communist base in the South is in the making, according to the latest information. Commurdsts a;re infiltrating in lr1dia, Siam, Burma, Malaya a;nd Indonesia. Communist activities in India temporarily received a setback. Communist parties were banned by the government. In Burma the Communists are trying to establish a strong foothold. There are two Communist parties in Burma. They are the White Flag Party 3nd the Red Flag Party. The first party believes in peaceful methods of attaining its ends, but the second party believ~s in force; consequently, the second party was outlawed by the Burmese government. In Malaya Communist-inspired strikPs w:ere staged' to embarrass the government. The Commqnist are opposed to the Federation recently established by the British government. They want immediate independence for Malaya. The Communists, according to Chan Minchin, the leader of the party, must abandon the policy of making compromises with the gove~ment. In Indonesia, the Communist Party (PKI), is also trying to strengthen its position. Many Communists have joined the army and labor unions. The Communist leader is Mas Alimin. He is also the chairman .of the Indonesian Politburo. The Peasant Union and the Union of Plantation Workers and railroad workers are urider the leadership of the other members of the Indonesian Politburo. In Siam there is an attempt to build a new base for Communist activities. This is the impression gathered by Am~ bassad9r Edwin F." Stanton who recently visited the country. Field Marshal Phibun Songgram~ the Premier of Siam, believes that the Chinese Communists are very active in the country. Any information bulletin service was recently inaugurated in Siam by the Communists to spread Communism. The recent arrest of many Coinmunists show that the government is ready to prevent the Communists from trying to build a new base in Siam. What is the significance of Russia's Far Eastern policy? Peace in the Orient is being delayed by Russia. She has refused to carry out the December, 1945, Moscow agreement on the establishment of a trusteeship for an independent Korea. She has refused to carry out certain agreements on the Sino-Soviet treaty of Auglist, 1945. Chinese officials who should be in control of the port under the terms of the agreemeiits have been refused admission to the port of Dairen in Manchuria .. The port of Dairen has not been opened to world trade, Russia has opposed the (Please turn to the next page) 46 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 What is Happening Today •.. (Continued from page 39) Yugoslavia disagrees with . Russi.a Recent news from Europe show the rift between Marshal Tito and Ru8sia. In June, 1948, the Cominform held a secret meeting to discuss important problems connected with the next move Russia has to take in Europe. Marshal Tito was accused by the Cominform of favoring the east and developing policies hateful to Russia. Marshal Tito denounced the Cominform for making these accusations. He urged the formation of a Balkan Federation to be COJllposed of Albania, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia on the principle of equality. Albania denounced Marshal Tito and ended the ·economic agreements between the two countries. A show down between the Yugoslav Communists and· the Albanian Communists may soon take place. What is the significance of the split? For the first time in the history of postwar Communism in Europe, a member of the Cominform ·has openly challenged the authority of the Cominform to set forth. unjust accusations against a member of the Cominform. open denunciations of the Cominform by Marshal Tito show that all is not well inside the "Iron ,Curtain." The world will continue to watch for further developments. It will keep a careful watch over Yugoslavia and Russia. Is the 'Molotov Plan going to break? Will Yugoslavia join the Marshall Plan? These are two of the questions which may be answered in the near future. Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why is Yugoslavia called an artificial Kingdom ? 2. Why do you think real unity is difficult in a country composed of many kinds of nationalities? 3. Explain the cause of the trouble World Problem What is Russia Doing ... (Continued from page 46) writing of the peace treaty with Japan except on conditions favorable to her . She has refused to remain neutral in the Chinese civil war. The Far East must be s:j.ved from the Communist threat. The New York Herald Tribune wrote: "But it is advisable for the United States ... to aid the creation of governments in Asia that will be stable enOugh so that the Communists will not have exceptional opportunity to flourish and grow in strength. . . . The revolutionary movements in Asia will take place a long time to run their courses, but the Americans can help swing them toward the middle of the road rather than to,,;ard the rightor-left wing dictatorship." . Exercises to Develop, Thinking 1. Why· do you think Russia is delaying peace in the Orient? 2. Is there any ground for Russian security in the Far East now that Japan is a defeated nation? Why? 3. Why is China an important objective of Russia? 4. Why is Korea important to the security of Russia? 5. Should Japan be democratized? Why? 6. Do yOu think a democrati.c Japan is needed for the peace of the Orient? Why? (Please turn to page 64) between the Radicals and the Croats~ 4. Why did the position of Yugoslavia during World War II become weak? 5. How was the police state established? 6. What is going on in Yugoslavia today? 7. What is tlie significance of the split between Tito and the Cominform? * 47 Why U. the Havana Charter significant? Is a New Path for World Trade Opened? Specific objectives: 1. To know the history of the Havana conference 2. To get acquainted with the objectives of the Havana Charter 3. To undell'stand the agreements concluded by the participating nations in the Havana conference 4. To understand the significance pf of the Havana Charter On March 24, 1948 the fight for the creation of the International Trade Organization (ITO) came to an end. On this day the Havana Charter was signed by representatives of 53 countries. What is the history of the ITO? What difficulty was met by the Havana conference? How was this solved? What are the provisions of the Havana Charter? What is the significance of the Havana Charter? HU.tory of the movement The history of the creation of an International Trade Organization has been marked by difficulties. Ma}ly years ago, a London merchant expressed the idea that world trade should be kept on flowing for the benefit of the peoples of the world. Since then several world conferences on international trade have been held. In 1927, 1930, and 1933 the conferences 'that were held failed because of jealousies. None of these conferences was able to find a measure that would prevent economic warfare among nations. Next year, however, -the London merchant's idea will -be realized if the Havana Charter is finally approved by the governments of at least 20 nations. The idea of an international organization for world trade has been kept for many years by those interested in world prosperity. Among these was Cordell Hull who in 1934 launched a program providing for trade agreements with other nations who were willing to reduce trade barriers such as the r~ duction of tariff on goods. As a result of this program, several nations concluded trade agreements with the United States. During World War II provisions which would free trade from certain restrictions were written in the LendLease agreements. The Bretton Wood Monetary Conference held in 1944 suggested the study of the problem of reducing trade barriers in order to help stabilize the currency of the world. Then in December, 1945, the United States proposed the establishment of an International Trade Organization, and in September, 1946, the United States proposed a charter for such ah organization. The proposed charter was revised. by several committees appointed to study it. A historic trade conference was held in Geneva from Aptj.I 20, 1947, to October 30, 1947. This is known as the Geneva Conference which prepared the tariff and trade agreements for the proposed International Trade Organizll,tion. On November 21, 1947, an international convehtion assembled at Havana, Cuba, to discuss the draft of the tariff and trade. agreements prepared at Genava by 23 nations. Finally after 182 days of hard work, the representatives of 53 'nations signed the Havana Charter of the ITO. The Havana Charter u the result of compromises In the preparation of the Havana Charter, the delegates of the 53 nations 48 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2. showed a willingness to arrive at com .. promises for the good of all nations who believe that world trade should bring prosperity to all. Sacrifices were made in order to arrive at these compromises. Two kinds of nations have made the compromises possible: (1) the industrial nations who are in favor of reducing trade barriers and other obstacles that would prevent the increase of exports, and (2) the small nations who, led by the countries of Latin Amerioa and Asia, argued that their countries need certain trade restrictions in order to protect their young or infant industries. After many weeks of discussion, it was finally agreed that small and weak nations would be allowed to impose certain trade restrictions. These restrictions, . however, would be only adopted after the ITO has approved themWhat are the objectives of the Havana Charter? These are the objectives of the ITO: ( 1) to assume a large measure and steadily growing volume of real income and effective demand by increasing production, consumption, and exchange of goods; (2) to promote industrial and general economic development, particularly of those countries that are in the early stages of· industrial development; (3) to encourage the international flow of capital for productive investment; ( 4) to give all nations, on e{iual terms, the necessary markets, products, and pi:;:,ductive facilities needed· for their economic prosperity; (5) to eliminate or reduce tariff and other trade barriers and discriminatory treatment; (6) to increase· the opportunities for trade and economic development, and (7) to solve international trade problems relating to employment, economic development, commercial policy, business practices, and commodity policy. What principles were agreed upon? What principles were agreed upon in order that the ITO may be able to acWorld Affairs complish the above objectives? The nations agreed on a number of principles. They will take action which will help maintain full ind productive employment in their respective nations, and foster cooperation in world trade. The nations believe that such international cooperation could be done through the international agencies promoting the reconstruction of areas devastated by the last war. The nations have also agreed to do the following: (1) to abolish discrimination in order to promote confidence among nations, (2) to extend to every member of the ITO the same benefit, (3) to avoid unfair competition among the member states in buying and selling goods, and ( 4) to impose trade restrictions which are needed in order to develop infant iridustries. The nations agreed that these . trade restrictions would only be adopted after the ITO has approved them. Why is the Havana Charter significant? The Havana Charter will come into effect after the governnients of 27 nations have ratified the charter. After this approval the. ITO will come into existence. During the period pending the approval of the ITO charter, an Interim CoiUmission will take charge of the preliminary wor~. Why is the Havana Charter significant for the .world? 1. It shows that the non-Communist nations of the world could come together and work to solve their common problems. The debates and compromises held f0-r many w~eks show· how democratic processes· can become victorious in the solution of international problems. 2. The nations of the world, according to Trygve Lie:. Secretary-General of the United Nations, have recognized that the maintenance of economic prosperity and full employment at home are basis of a healthy situation in interna(Please turn to page 55) * 49 Who is to be Blamed for the Cold War? Specific objectives: 1. To understand the most important issues in the "Cold War" between the United States and Russia 2. To understand what agreement<g were made between the United States and Russia 3. To get acquainted with the violations of the agreeme!\ts concluded between the United States and Russia 4. To understand why peace settlement is being delayed Underlying all American suspicion of the recent so-called Soviet "peace offensive" is a grave official doubt that the Russians would live up to any European settlement even if. agreement on paper were reached. In the official American view, hopes o~ the world for true peace repeatedly have been dashed in' the wreckages of broken ioviet pledges. This, Americans contend, is the truth in the issue at the heart of matter-Germany. Charges and cour.ter charges In the great struggle over Germany now shaping up between the East and West, the S'oviet Union charges the Western Powers with wrecking historic agreements made at Potsdam in 1945. American diplomatic officials say the Soviet charge simply; is an example of totalitarian propaganda which accuses ,the other fellow of doing what one is doing or already have done himself. For Americans hold that primarily it was the S'oviet violation of the Potstlam agreement on a uitified Germany that split Germany, Americans contend the new agreement of the six Western Powers to go ahead with independent plans 1for Western Germany, including the establishment of a provisional federal govemm.ent, was forced by persistent Soviet violations of Postdam and . other agreements on Germany. This new plap, they hold, has been deemed necessary because of Russian failure to live up to her commitments. If the Soviet Union would not proceed with the United States, Great Britain and France in an effort, based on solemn agreements, to restore order out of the political and economic Chaos of all Germany, the Americans held it was necessary to get the job done at least in the non-Soviet area of Western Germany. Study of issues So complex and manifold are the issues that make up "the cold war" that they seldom have been listed on pape'r. The State Department recently put down, however, at least part of the record oi what it contends are Soviet violations of agreements. This chronicle, intended to . demonstrate the unreliability of Soviet pledges, was written as a report at the request of the Senate Foreign Relations Corn· rnittee. The requeSt was inspired by President Truman's charge in a speech · to a joint session of Congress on March 17 that the Russians ••persistently ignored and violated" agreements which ' 1 could have furnished a basis for a just peace." In that speech, Truman asked' for military preparedness. The senators wanted details of violations, particularly those involving Potsdam. They got from the State Department a list of thirty-seven alleged violations involving agreements on Ger,many, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Rumania, Korea and Manchuria. 50 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 This report presents only a partial piCture of many points of friction between East and West. Bl.it it seeks t-0 cite chapter and verse. Specific agreements are quoted and specific violations charged. This article presents a digest of the major points of the ·report by areas involved. Status of Germany AGREEMENT: Germany to be treated as a single economic unit. (Potsdam Protocol) VIOLATIONS: The Soviet Union has "consistently obstructed all four-power attempts" to implement this principle. It has carried out a 04 unilateral economic policy in its own zone." It has refused to establish a Common import-export program or to permit "equitable distribution" of German cOmmodities between zones. RESULT: There is only a trickle of trade, and that on a barter basis, betw"een the Soviet and Western zones. German-Polish frontier AGREEMENT: Final delimitation of the German-Polish frontier should await the peace settlement, (Potsdam Protocol). VIOLATION: The Soviet Union has maintained that the oaer-Neisse Line "constitutes a definite German·Polish frontier'' and h_as incOrpo:fated into Po· land the territory east of this line, Question of reparations AGREEMENT:, The payment of reparations is to leave enough resources to enable the German people to subsist without external assistance. (Potsdam Protocol) VIOLATION: The Soviet Union has taken large amount of reparatious f:i.om current production; has absorbed .a sub· stantial part of German industry 1 in the Soviet zone into Soviet state-owned con· cerns .and has otherwise exploited "and drained German resources in a manner not authorized by the Potsdam Protocol or oth~r agreements. World Problem Freedom of expression AGREEMENT: Freedom of speech and the press are guaranteed. (Pots. dam) VIOLATION: The Soviet authorities have instituted a system 0f suppression, intimidation and terrorism through mil· itary, police and party authorities that nullifies any genuine freedom of speech and preSs. A totalitarian system of police control is being built up which suppresses basic human rights and legal processes and indulges in arbitrary sei· zures of property, arrests, deportaton, forced labor and other practiCes which are incompatible with democratic principles. AGREEMENT: The Allied control authority agreement to submit reports on rep_aration removal's from occupation zones. VIOLATION: The Soviet Union has refused to submit any report on repa· ration removals from its zone. Independence of Austria AGREEMENT: Russia obligated herself through the Moscow declaration and later agreements to assist Austrian efforts to re-create a "sound national life." VIOLATION: The Soviets have ~eiz ed oil, land and industrial plants far above any amount which could have been regarded as "G~rman assets" under the ,.Potsdam Agreement. Materials have been removed as "war booty" and nGerman assets." This hatnstrings Austrian recovery efforts. AGREEMENT: The Soviets agreed in the Allied Control Commission to help the Austrian Government to establish law and order. VIOLATION: The Soviets have interfered with Austrian authorities in efforts to maintain law and .order and have made "arbitrary arrests" and abductions of Austrians. AGREEMENT: Spviets agreed to respect the authority of the A'Ustrian Government. • 51 VIOLATION: The Soviet military authorities have insisted that seventeen non-elected Commuhist mayors remain in office in the Soviet zone against the authority of provincial and national governments. Economic assistance for China AGREEMENT: Under the ChineseSoviet treaty of August 1945, the Soviets agreed to mutual economic assistance with a view to "facilitating and accele~ting ·reconstruction" in both countries. VIOLATION: Industry in Manchuria was directly damaged to the extent of $858,000,060 during ·soviet occupancy when the Russians stripped Manchurian plants and industry and removed materials t.o the Soviet Union. Korea and Korean independence AGREEMENT:· The Soviets agreed with the United States to re-estatlish movements of "persons, motor, rail transport and coastwise shipping" between the northern (Soviet occupation) and southern (American occupied) zones. VIOLATION: The Soviets have refused even to discuss carrying out of the agreement and have "resisted efforts" to promote economic unity of the country. There is only a small barter trade between zones and no arrangement for transport or communications. ~· AGREEMENT: To recognize democratic Korean political elements in an effort to establish a Provisional Government. VIOLATION: Soviets refused to recognize KoreaF political elements that were not pro-Soviet. Polish election AGREEMENT: The Soviet Union agreed at Yalta and Potsdam to assist µi insuring free and unfettered elections and representation of all democratic and anti-Nazi parties in the post-war Polish elections. VIOLATION : Soviet Union refused to join Brit,.in and the United States in carrying out this pledge by denying full representation to Democratic Parties in the January, 1947 elect.ions. Result was that the Polish elections were not "free,,, democratic elements were suppressed and in a rigged election the Polish Peasant Party, representing a majority of Poles, got only twenty-eight out of 444 seats in Parliament. Democracy in the Balkans AGREEMENT: The Soviets agreed. at Yalta to cooperate with Britain and the United States to insure democratic processes in Hungary. VIOLATION: Through the Hungarian Communist Party, and acting without regard of the United States and Pritain, the Soviets "subverted the will Of the Hungarian people to totalitarianism in negation of fundamental freedoms" and succeeded in establishing a Communist-dominated government. AGREEMENT: The Soviets agreed in Hungary to control by the Allied Control Commission, with an equal voice for Britain and United States. VIOLATION: The Soviets, whose troops occupied Hungary, proceeded to act without notice to or consultation with British and American members of commission. In effect, Soviets simply took ov:er the whole countr.,. AGREEMENT: As in Hungary, Soviets agreed to promote democratic processes jointly with the United States an:d Great Britain. VIOLATION: On the contrary, the Soviet Government, through the Communist Party, has unilaterally subverted representative democratic processes in Bulgaria and assisted in denying the Bulgarian people exercise of their fundamental freedoms. Here, too, the Soviets disregarded British and American representatives of the control commission-; AGREEMENT: At Yalta, the Soviets agreed to insure democratic processes in (Please turn to the next page) 52. Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 What are the Facts •.• (Continued from page 36) the Kremlim, Illya Ehrenburg wrote: ult is not terror and intimidation, nor bribes we hold out, but friendship." Exercises to Develop Thinking 1. Why did Ambassador Smith explain the stand of America on international issues ? 2. What were Russia's answer to the position of the United States? 3. Was Russia justified in revealing the Smith-Molotov conversations? Why? 4. Why do you thlnk Russia predicts an economic collapse in the United States? 5. Do you think Stalin intends to support the candidacy of Wallace in the coming presidential election by ~alling Waliace's "open letter" the most important document of recent tim,es? Why? 6. Was Russia justified in making it appefir that America is opposed to world peace? 7. Do you believe in the statement of Marshall that Russia's bid for peace must be justified by concrete peace actUations? Can you cite specific instances which prove that ·Russia can act for the sake of world peace? 8 . What do you think is the significance of the "Battle for the Peace Offensive?" References 1. Text of Ambassador Smith's Statement to Foreign Minister Molotov (Released by the Depa,rtment of State). 2 . .Text of Foreign Minister Molotov's statement to Ambassador Smith. (Released by the Department of State). 3 . Text of Ambassador Smith's Reply to Foreign Minister Molotov's Statement on May 9, 1948 (Rele!'sed by the Department of Sfate). 4. Text of President Truman's S~ate m"Jlt to the Press on May 11, 1948. 5. Text of Secretary Marshall's Press World Problem Who is to be Blamed ••• (Continued from page 62) pt>st-war Romania in cooperation with the United States and Britain. VIOLATION: Contrary to its agreement at Yalta, the Soviet Union, acting through the Rumanian Commtinist Party and its own agencies and armed fvrc· es in Rumania, systematically and unilaterally subverted the democratic will of the Rumanian people to totalitarianism. Use of Soviet occupation troops to break up anti-Communist meetings was cited, among other violations. Is settlement possible? These are just samples of agreements made, and violations charged, which produce the issues of "the cold war". They form part of the evidence upon which are based the doubts of American officials about the ·sincerity of Soviet purpos'l, or reliability of the Soviet word. The whole aim of current American foreign policy-and preparedness-is directed toward creating an atmosphere of economic, political and military balance in the world which will force the Soviets to come to effective agreements and to live up to t)>em. Until that balance is effected, American officials see little prosJlect of an enduring settlement. -Released by the United States Information Service: special article written by Jack Werkley in the New York Herald Tribune. Study Helps 1. 1s settlement possible? Why? 2. Can you give the possible reasons why Russia has violated the various agreements? 3. Do you favor a Big Four conference of the big powers to settle the point of disagreements ? Why ? 4. What is the relation of the issues to the world peace? Conference on May 12, 1948. 6. Text of Documents of the Soviet Violation of 37 Agreements. (Released bl the Department of State). • 53 The Philippines and the World United States Right Upheld An important ruling of the Phllippine Supreme Court has been- laid do~ in connection with the military bases agreement signed between the United States and the Philippines on March 14, 1947. Under the agreement the United States was given permission to establish military bases on certa,in portions of the .territory of the Philii)pines and to exercise jurisdiction over certain territories. The Supreme Court ruled that the military bases agreement is constitutional and that jurisdiction of the United States on certain territories of the Philippines is lawful. The rulings of the Supreme Cou'rt wei'e laid down flrin connection with the case of Godofredo Dizon, a former civilian employee of PHILRYCOM. Dizon was convicted b:i<. a United States Court martial. for falsification. He was sentenced to hard labor for five years. Dizon referred the decision to the Supreme Court. He contended that the court martial has no authority to try him and challenged the military bases agreement as unconstitutional. Manila-Europe Flight Significant The Philippines and Europe have been t brought closer with the inauguration of the PAL's DC-6 Manila-Madrid-London flight recently. The new service rendered by the Philippine Air Lines is epoch-making. It offers to Filipinos a chance to go to the Old World in a very short time. It also enables foreigners from Europe to visit the Philippines in a much shorter time than the crew of Ferdinand Magellan wh~ left Spain on August 10, 1519, and arrived in the Philippines on March 21, 1521. The Philippines is Not Hostile Placido L. Mapa, secretary of commerce and industry, has denied the allegation of a foreigner that there is hostility in the Philippines against foreign capital. In a recent speech delivered by· him, he said that the Philippines has ceased to be a "colonial raw material country." The Philippines according to him welcomes Amerkan capital 0 under generous terms." "What the Filipinos are' .against, and will always be against, is what is called 'imperialistic exploitation' by monopoly c3.pitalists. For the matter, I believe, there is no democratic 'people in the world today, or even a people that is not against exploitation of that character." Secretary Mapa cited examples of Philippine-American cooperation. He cited the so-called Beyster Plan, the Westinghouse Report, and the Oil Exploration Contract plans as projects inviting: close cooperation betw~en Philippine and American capital. Philippines Received f'136 Million The Philippines received 136 million pesos last July from the United States. The U.S. Army has turned over to the Philippine governmerit the amount of 1'93,778,000 for use of the Philippine Anny. The amount will be used in the payment of backpay and guerrilla pay. The amount also includes the indebtedness of the U.S. Army. The American Embassy has turned over to the Philippines more than !"42,000,001) for the Philippine rehabilitation· program for 1949. Philippine Athletes may Participate Through the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, our athletes 54 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 taking part in the World Olympic games to be held in London may be able to participate in various national competitions to be held in the United States. Arran&ements for Filipino participation are being made b:;: the Philippine Embassy. Our tennis players, Felicisimo Ampon and Raymundo Deyro, may take pa:rt in tennis. Our swimming, basketball, and boxing teams may also take part ,in various competitions. The shooting team of the Philippines will take part in a shooting competition to be held in CS.mp Perry, Ohio. Aliens Not Entitled to Benefits A recent ruling handed by Justice Roman Ozaeta declared that a stateless alie,ri cannot be entitled to the benefits given by the Philippines Veteran Bill of Rights. The ruljng was given in connection with a question raised by the Philippine's Veteran Board. Daniel Borodin, a stateles's Russian, at the outbreak of the Pacific War on December 7, 1941, was inducted into the USAFFE. After the war he received all the benefits due him, Later he applied for benefits under the Philiwine Bill of Rights. Justice Ozaeta ruled that the "benefits of Philippine Bill of Rights are intended to be enjoyed solely by citizens of the Philippines." Philippines, Third Largest Buyer of Books The Philippine Republic, according to the New York Herald Trib?Jne book critic Lewis Gannet, i.g the third largest buyer of American books. In 1947, the United States exported more than $3,000,000 worth of books to the Philippines. The largest buyers of American books are Canada first, and th~ United Kingdom second, followed by Australia, South Africa, India, China, Brazil, Mexico, and New Zealand. Book exports to the Pacific area are almost as large as those for Europe. National Affairs Is a New Path ..• (Continued from page 4b) tional trade, 3. The members of the ITO approved world recovery as the common goal of all nations. Secretary of State George C. Marshall said: "The acceptance of the charter will affirm the common economic goals of world recovery, point toward those goals, and thus contribute to progressive expansion of world-. production and consumption through a grown and mutually profitable trade among al~ members on a fair basis." 4. Russell Porter, a veteran correspondent of an American. newspaper, wrot'e from Havana: "The most signifi-_ cant fact about the conference seetns to be that the overwhelming majority of the nations in the non-Communist world have made a free choice. Standirig at the crossroad on international history, they have chosen the road of international cooperation and turned their backs on extreme nationalism and economic isolationism." Exercises to Develop ThiQking 1. What i~ meant by world trade? 2. Explain why world trade is important. 3. Show how the Philippines is affected by world trade. 4. Why do you think America took the initiative in promoting world trade? 5. Do you think world trade is, a cause of world wars? 1). Explain why the purposes of the Havana Charter are good for world trade. 7. Why should discrimination in the world trade be abolished? 8. Why do you think infant industries need protection ? 9. Why was the Havana Conference called an experiment on compromises? 10. Do you agree to the state:plent that a new path for world trade has been opened with the approval of the Havana Charter ? Why ? (Please turn to page 60) • 55 Significant World News Roundup GERMANY Two Plans for Germany Recent developments in Germany show the development of two plans for the country. The plan of the Western pow~r.s which was recently announced is SUP.ported by Britain, the United .States, '.France, the Netherlands -Belgium, and Luxemburg. The Western Plan calls for ( 1) the creation of a German state, (2) the establishment of ·an International Authority (IA) over the industries of t'he Ruhr, and (3) continued military occupation of Germany until the peace problems of Europe have been solved. Russia endorsed the Eastern Plan which calls for the. establishment of a provisional government for a united Germany with Berlin as its capital. The first step taken by Russia· to carry out the Eastern Plan was the creation of the German People's Council. This Council was supported by the Communist sponsored Socialist Party ( SED). It is expected that the People's Council would set up a provisional government for the whole Germany. What is the significance of the news? The adoption of two plans for Germany is the result of the disagreement between the three Western powers and Russia on the future status of Germany. The three Western powers wanted the establishment of a democratic government for Germany. Russia, on the other hand, wanted the establishment of a strong German government which could easily be taken over by a single party. Several conferences were held to discuss the future of Germany, but no 'agreement has been reached because the Russians have refused to filome to terms. In the latest London Conference of the Council _of Foreign Ministers, the Russians refused to make any agreement possible. The adoption of the two plans raises the question: Would Germany be finally partitioned? Would Russia's plan for the incorporation of Ea.stern Germany to Russia be realized finally? UNITED STA TES Review of U.S. 80th Congress The 80th Congress has .finished its significant work for the Ameritan peQple. This Congress considered more than 11,000 bills and passed more than 3,700 bills. Of 1>hese bills more than 1,000 bills became laws. What were some of the important measures passf':d by the Congress ? (1) Congress authorized a first-year program of $5.3 billion for the ERP (European Recovery Program). (2) Congress appropriated $332,000,000 for relief assistance to Austria, Greece, Italy and Trieste; $400,000,000 for military and economic assistance to Greece and Turkey. (3) Congress ratified the peace treaties with Italy, Rumania, Bulgafia,and Hungary. (4) It approv.ed a U.N. trusteeship agreement relating to the former Japanese mandated islands in the Pacific. ( 5) Congress approved a stopgap aid for Austria, France, a;id Italy. It appropriated $522,000,000 f<r Austria, France, and Italy. It approved $18,000,000 for China. (6) The Senat.e approved by an overwhelming vote a resolution supporting regional security agreements against aggression. (7) -Congress extended for one year the reciprocal trade agreement permitting the President to cut tariff in exchange for certain concessions. (8) Congress passed 56 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 -the bill admitting 200,000 of the 850,000 displaced persons in Europe. (9) It approved the draft providing fOr twentyone. months of service. (10) It enacted the Taft-Hartley Act imposing· many restrictions on labor unions. (11) It approved ·a measure limiting the tenure of the President of the United States to two terms. What is the significance of the news? The 80th Congress, the first Republican-controlled Congress in 16 years, pursued its policy of promoting economic and political stability in the postwar world. More than $8,500,000,000 of America's national wealth has· been set aside to assist the countries of Europe and Asia. Congress has reaffirmed its policy of supporting the United Nations as an instrument for building world peace and security. The foreign pqlicy of the nation shows the cooperation of both the Republican and the Democratic parties. In the domestic issues there were frequent clashes between the Republicans and. the Democrats. The clashes were shown in the discussion of taxes, labor problems, price control, rent control a,nd housing program. The clashes were often between the Republican Congress and the Democratic executive. ! 'l·esident Truman has vetoed 137 measures since he became. President. This is the third highest in the history of America. President Franklin D. Roosevelt vetoed 633 measures; Governor Cleveland, 414 measures. NETHERLANDS A Chance to Stop Communism in Asia The results of the recent election in the Netherlands for a new Parliament showed the willingness of the people to halt the march of Communism in Asia. The Communists were defeated by the Democratic elements. The Communists lost 120,982 votes from their 1946 total International News of 502,935. According to the New York Times,, this loss is very impressive. The Beel cabinet has been returned to power. The members of the Beel cabinet are committed to carrying out the Renville agreement for the establishment of a United States of Indonesia (USI). What is the significance of •the news? The national elections showed two important points. First, the people dislike Communism. Second, the people are determined to make a settlement of the colonial problem. The new government has a good chance to promote democracy and halt the march of Communism in Asia. The New York Herald Tribune said that if the agrarian economy of Asia could be reformed and strengthened, the growth of democracy could be encouraged, and the progress of the Reds might be halted. The New York Times wrote: " ... the victory at home could be a hollow victory for the democratically-inclined Netherlands if they should permit the settlement in Indonesia to drag along and let Cominunism take a firm hold in the rich Indies, whose tin and oil and copra and spices have nourished the home coup.try for more than 300 years. The longer a settlement is delayed, the greater the odds that ail may be lost. In peace, as in war, time is one element that can never be regained." GREECE To Crush the Greek Puppet Government Greece is fighting for its existence. The government forces are fighting hard to crush Communism. In 194 7 concerted movements were launched b'y Greek Communists from the northern frontiers of the country._ Through the economic and military aid of the United States, the Greek national army has been considerably strengthened to meet the guehilla threat. * 57 A major Offensive has been launched by the Greek Natoinal Army. The main objective of the offensive is to crush the Communist forces near the Albanian border. The capture of the Communist forces would mean the collapse of resistance from the borders of Albania. What is the significance of the news? A year ago, military experts doubted the success of American aid to Greece. Today American aid to Greece is successfully bearing fruit .. Under expert military assiStance, the Greek National Army is conducting successful operations against the guerrilla forces of the Puppet Greek Government of Gen. Markos Vafiades. Gen. Markos has between 8,000 and 10,000 guerrillas. The Greek Nation•! Army has 132,000 men. The success of the Greek National Army would mean the beginning of the end of the civil war in Greece. The victory would also mean an end to the effort of Gen. Markos to create anarchic conditions which would permit the establishment of a Cornmunisb dominated government in Greece. The victory would also mean the "containment" or halt of Communism in Southern Europe. ENGLAND Conflict between the Commons and the Lords An important conflict between the House of Lords and the House of Commons· is attracting a great deal of attention among the English. The House of Lords is composed of about 850 Peers. The House of Commons is tbe elective body of Parliament. Last fall the present Labor government reconvened. The House of Commons passed a measur.e nationalizing the steel industry, The House of Lords made up of coru;ervatives opposed the nationalization. It voted against the measure passed by the House of Commons; consequently the measure cannot go into effect until 1950. The Labor Government, howe\Ter, wants the measure to be passed. It passed, therefore, a Parliament bill which would enable the Commons to override any measure rejected by th~ Lords in one year. Under the old law the Commons could override the Lords' "veto" by passing the legislation in two successive sessions after the House of Lords has turned it down. Such an action normally -requires two years. The House of Lords turned down the Parliament bill wliich would enable the Commons to override a measure turned dov..Jt by the Lords in one year. What is the significance of the news? The vote on the Parliament bill permitt:ing the House of Commons to override a measure turned down by the House o;f Lords in one year instead of two years brought about the greatest constitutional split since 1914. In 1914 the House of Commons overrode the House of Lords on the question of Irish home rule. The Lords consider the measure of the Commons as an additional curb on their power. The Commons consider the measure necessary to the passage of the bill nationalizing the steel industry. For the welfare of the people, the Commoris want the measure· on the nationalization of the steel industry approv'ed before the expiration of the present term of the Labor government. The present battle between the Commoms and the Lords will become an important issue in the elections of 1950. Many keen observers consider the conflict as an issue of: The Peers versus the will of the people (as represented by the House of Commons). CZECHOSLOVAK.IA End of a Colorful Career June 6, 1948, is an important date for those who love the biographi•s of 58 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 men who fought for democratic principlest On this date Dr. EduaTd Benes, President of Czechoslovakia tendered his resignation. On this day, too, he refused to sign the new "Constitution" of Czechoslovakia which would bring the country under the control of Russia. Dr. Benes was one of those who helped found the independent republic of Czechoslovakia after World War I. He became president of the republic in 1935. During the Nazi occupation of the country during Wo~ld War II, he established an exile government in London. In March, 1945, he returned to his country and reestablished the goyernment of Czechoslovakia. The democratic government did not last long. The all-party coalition established in 1946 was replaced by a Communist-controlled government in February, 1948. Dr. Benes was forced to accept the Commuriist-controlled government because he feared the outbreak of civil war. What is the significance of the news? Dr. Benes predicted that the installation of the new Communist-controlled government "will have evil results." Jan Masaryk, son of Thomas Masaryk, first Pri::sident, of Czechoslovakia, committed 11 sui~ide" in protest of the new govern~ ment. A new Communist-written Constitution for a "People's Democracy" was prepared and approved by Parliament. It was sent to Dr. Benes for approval. On the last day given to him by Parliament to sign the new "Constitution," Dr. Benes tendered his resignation. He did not sign the new constitution. In a letter he wrote to Premier Clement Gotwald he said: "I wish all my dear compatriots. . . that they could live and work together in tolerance, love, forgiveness, grant freedom and enjoy freedom conscientiously." International News KOREA Election to Disprove Another Election The Puppet ge>vernment of North Korea has announced that an election will be held in the Russian zone on August 25, 1948. The proposed election is intended to find out the real "will of the Koreans." The electiqn will try to prove that the election held in the American zone of occupation on May 10, 1948 was less free than. the one to be held in the Russian zone of occupation. What is the significance .of the news? Final figures submitted to the United States Commission by South Korean election offi~ials show that in Korea's first election in her 4,000 years of written history 90.6% or almost 7,729,000 persons voted. The election was carried through in a free atmosphere; it resulted in a turnout that would have done great credit to many older democracies. The announcement of an election in the north zone is a challenge to the results of the May 10 election. The forthcoming election, which will be held in August would try to discredit the election sponsored by the Korean Commission created by the United Nations. Russia refused to take part in the election sponsored by the United Nations for fear that the people might vote against her when -they are, given a free chance to vote. Russia has refused to recognize the results of the May 10 election which affected 2/3 of the population of Korea, or 20,000,000 Koreans. Russia tried to discourage the holding of the May .10 election by establishing the Puppet government of Korea. A constitution w3.s drafted by the "representatives of the · people". The Communist-sponsored constitution will be the constitution of the new Republic that will be born after the August 25, 1948 election. The recent announcement of the holding of the August 25 election is· a challenge to the United Nations. * 59 FINLAND Not yet! Finland recently held its national elections. Results of the election show that the Communist party has lost. The antiCommunist parties will probably have 108 seats in the new house as c"Ompared to 101 seats in the 1945 elections. The left-wing parties will have 92 seats as against 99 in the 1945 elections. In other words, the results show that the Communists lost 15 seats of their 51 seats in the 200-member Parliament. What is the significance of the news? The victory of the anti-Communist of Finland is significant for several reasons. First, the people voted against Communist candidates. Second, the people disapproved of the military pact recently concluded between Russia and Finland. Third, the Communists lost 15 seats; the Communist party, thus, became the third party in Finland. The victQrY of anti-Communist parties however, is not the signal for the end of Communism in Finland~ Mrs. Hert Kuusinen Leino, a woman top Communist in Finland said that the Communists would exert its efforts to regain the prestige it lost in the last election. "We would do better outside the opposition." This expression is a warning tJiat the danger from possible control of the government by the Communists is not yet over. The premiership and the Ministry of the Interior (police) are excellent opportunities for Communist "infiltration." FRANCE The Collapse of a Historic Coalition Cabinet The government of Premier Robert SchuID.an c'ollapsed on July 20, 1948, after eight months of historic fight for the existence of France. By a vote of 297 against 214 the French General assembly voted against the military budget. AlIs a New Path ••• (Please turn to page 55) References 1. "Fifty-three St.ates Signed Havana Charter," United Nations Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 7 (April 1, 1948) pp. 266-267. 2. "ITO Interim Commission Starts Work," United Nations Bulletin Vol. IV, No. 9 (May 1, 1948) pp. 365-367. 3. Porter, Russell. "ITO Charter Maps Path for World Trade," The New York Times, March 28, 1948, p. ES. 4. "Should We Extend the Present Reciprocal Trade Agreements?'' Town Meeting. Vol. 14, No. 3 (May 11, 1948) pp. 3-22. 5. "Why is the Geneva Trade Pact Significant?", Cwtrent Events Review, Vol. III, No. 9 (March, 1948T pp. 262-264; 281. thougli Premier Schuman fought hard to preveilt the cut from the military budget, the assembly refused to heed his suggestions. The cut amounted to 12 billion francs. What is the significance of the news? The collapse of the cabinet ended the eight-months' government of Premier Schuman. During this period, France was confronted with serious internal problems. The Communist-inspired strikes nearly broke the hold of the democratic members on the government. Important anti-strike and sabotage bills were passed to defend France from Con;imunism. Communism in fact has received a beating in France according to the veteran writer Demaree Bess. The government made it possible for France to join the formation of the Western Union. It also gave approval to the organization of the Trizonia government for Westren Germany. It has also taken measures to stabilize the currency of France. 60 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 United Nations Series (27) Special Report on the Activities of the United Nations Burma-the 58th Member Burma became the 58th member of the United Nations. The Security Council approved the application without disagreement or harsh arguments. After many years of subjection to British rule, Burma became independent on January 6, '1948. Is There No More Hope? The Atomic Energy Commission of the United Nations has failed to make any progress towards the international control of atomic energy. More than 240 meetings were held by the Atomic Energy Commission since it first met on June 14, 1946. The main cause of t~e failure of the Commission to anive at a definite agreement is the refusal of Russia to accept a workable plan for international inspection and actual ownership and operation of factories engaged in the production of atomic energy. RuSsia exercised her "'26th veto on June 23, 1948, when she vetoed the American plan for the control of atomic energy. Study Helps 1. Do you favor the abolition of the Atomic Energy Commission ? Why? 2, Can you explain why Russia refused to accept the principle of international inspection and international ownership of factories. engaged in the production of atomic energy ? Food for Chihlren The undernourished children of Europe recently received 600,000 pounds of dried milk from the International Children's Emergency Fund (ICEF). Through the World Affairs initiative of Governor Earl Warren of California about $10,000 in cost of transportation has been saved. The food was shipped aboard a training vessel of the California Maritime Academy. Efforts are being intensified to continue the drive to aid the hungry children of the world. A committee for ICEF has been set up in the United States to make the camPaign more effective. It is hoped that the drive will cover all areas of the world. Study Helps 1. Why is the effort of the ICEF laudable? 2. Why should every liberty-loving individual support the drive to feed the hungry children of the world? Progress of the WHO The Interim Commission of the World Health Organization (WHO) is doing everything within its power to accomplish its main objective .of advancing the health of the world. In a recent summary of the. 12 months' work of the WHO the following has been mentioned in connection with its work: (l) Eleven committees have been set up to study the problems of international sanitarM conventions, the establishment of uniform standards, and the control of communicable diseases. (2) WHO has giv~n several types of field services. These are the sending of missions of health experts, providing health lectures, granting fellowships and study tours on health problems, and providing countries with medical literature and supplies. An important project under study by the WHO is the supply of insulin. It has been found that the supply of insu* 61 line may soon become insuffident, For this reason the WHO has requested data from 69 governments on the present consumption and production of insulin in each country, on imports and exportable surpluses, and on estimates of supply and demand for the past ten years. The data will give the WH 0 a basis for determining what shoµld be done to improve the supply of iri.sulin. Study Helps 1. Why do you think the work of the WHO is very important? 2. In what way is the Philippines affected by the activities of the WHO? Re.settlement of DP's .urged One of the humanitarian activities ·undertaken by the !RO (International Re-· fugee Organization) is the resettlement of Displaced Persons, persons who refuse to return to their countries for varied reasons. Some of them refuse to return because they fear either p0litical persecution or ecanomic dislocation. According to the latest report about 117,oo'o displaced persons. have been resettled throughout the world. There are stiH 600,000 persons who are living in camps in Europe 3.nd the Middle East. There are also many thousands who are still outside of the camps for refugees. Most of the displaced persons now in the camps in Germany, Austria, Italy, and the Middle East are- young men and women. Eighty-seven percent of the displaced persons are "able to work and to give full value to any nation wise enough and far-sighted enough to admit them as immigrants." It has been urged that fair immigration and broader resettlement be undertaken by various countries, The rate and methods of resettlement should be improved. The resettlement of family units, for example, should be given serious consideration. It is importa_nt that family units be given opportunity to resettle in groups. If the wage earner is admitted alone, then the other members of the family will be unable to support themselves. It has been suggested that the other members of the family be accepted along with the wage earner. Study Helps 1. Why is the admission of displaced :persons a humanitarian act? 2. Do you favor the admission of a limited number of displaced persons in the Ph{Jippines? Why or why not? World Economic Survey An example of world cooperation l,tas been demonstrated recently by the various members of the United Nati~ns. A notable study on world cooper:ition was recently made. public. The report deals with the economic l:onditions of the world. The report was 'the result of the cooperation Of the members of the United Nations and other sp·ecialized agencies. Staff members from 25 nations whole· heartedly cooperated in the work of gathering valuable economic information. What facts have been found by the world·wide economic survey? 1. Now, three years after the war,· the world is producing less than it did 10 years ago for,a population that has increased by 200,000,000 people, or about 10%. 2. The economic picture is unbalanced. The productive capacity of the United States has increased, while those of other countries have been reduced. As a result of this situation, many countries are suffering from dollar shortage. 3. The dollar shortage in the devastated countries made it impossible for these countries to buy what they need_ for rehabilitating thel)1selves. 4. There are several bottlenecks against the genet"al rehabilitation of the world. First, there. is '1 food crisis." Many peoples of Europe are starving. Millions are still living on the ration basis. Second, there is shortage of equipment and machinery. Third, inflation has become universal on account of the acute shortage of food and the 62 * Current Events Review, Vol. IV, No. 2 sudden increase in the quantity of money in circulation. Study Helps 1. What is the significance of the findings of the report? 2. Why is the use of "foreign finance" important· in speeding reconstruction work? 3. Do you favor the recommendation in the report for a vigorous attack on food shortage? Why? Little Assembly Adopts Veto Recommendations The United Nations interim commission known as the Little Assembly adopted the veto recommendations after a serious study of the problem. The veto is the voting privilege given to the Big" Five-the United States, England, France, Russia and China in the Security Council. The veto is one of the stumbling blocks in the efficient functioning of the United Nations. It has been misused and abused by Russia. To date, Russia has made use of the veto 26 times. Th~ recommendations woUld be sent to all U.N. members for their stc:.;y and discussions at the next regular session of the General Assembly in Paris nexb. September. The recommendations would request the five major powers to consult one another with the object of reaching an agreement regarding the removal of the veto from all "procedural" decisions. This agreem~nt would abolish the use of the veto in decisions for the peaceful settlements of disputes and the admission of new members to the U.N. The Litt!" Assembly also adopted by a vote of 19 against 7, an Argentine proposal calling Upon the1 General Assembly to "consider whether the time has come or not to call for a general conference" to revise the U.N. Charter. Argentina and the other small states would have the veto abolished completely. The United States, Britain and World Affairs France voted against .the Argentine proposal, but the small nations including the Philippines voted for it. Asian Unions Form Labor Federation The Asian delegates to the lnternation.al Labor Organization conference at San Francisco, California, has decided to form ail Asian Federation of Labor. The Federation will include trade unions in six Asiatic countries. The Federation was formed by unions in India, Burma, Pakistan, China, the Philippines and Indonesia. The preamble of the constitution states that the existence of poverty, unemployment, hardships and social injustice is creating discontent among the workers in Asian countries, thereby threatening the peace, harmony and progress of Asia and, consequently, of the worid." During the conference, the delegafa~s were warned by the chairman that the aim of the free. trade union movement is to end forced labor in any form. This is a warning to Russia and her satellites, The conference approved a resolution pledging the support of the International Labor Organization to the Marshall Plan. The constitution gives membel'.ship applications rights to national organization of workers in Japan, Korea, lndo-China, Siam, Ceylon, Afghanistan, Iran, the Arab countries and Turkey. The new groups plan to hold their first conference next year in China. Illegal Act The United Nations Special Committee on the Balkans (UNSCOB) has prepared a report for submission to the General AsSembly on its findings in the Balkan. The findings will also be transmitted to the governments of Albania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and countries of Eastern Europe. • 63 One of the findings is the :fetention in Albania, Bulgaria·, and Yugoslavia of children removed from Greece. According to the committee, retention of the children is contrary to accepted moral standards of international conduct. It constitutes an obstacle toward the establishment of good relations between Greece and her northern neighbors. The committee has requested the governments of Albania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia to return the children to Greece and prevent further removals. Promote Information about the United Nations The United Nations Advisory Committee of Information Experts recently met at Lake Success, New York, to discuss ways and means of educating the public on the activities of the United Nations. According to the conference "the United Nations cannot achieve· the purposes for which it has . been created unless the peoples of. the world are fully informed of its aims and activities." Among the specific recommendations approved were the establishme11\: of a-separately owned or endowed United Nations Press, sending more correspondents to the United Nations, creation of felowshipls financed by national and international organizations, securing of special cable rates for United Nations news, and adoption of a system of guest correspondents. Customs Convention A great problem of European citizens may be finally solved. The Road Transport Group of the Economic Commission for Europe has finished a study of the problems of crossing roads by both tourists and travellers. The Commission has compiled an international convention and has circulated it to member governments for study. The convention suggests means of crossing roads by both tourists and commercial traffic. What is Russia Doing •.• (Continued from page 47) 7 . Why do you think the Communist parties have been outlawed in India and Burma? 8. Why do you think Communism thrives on cha~s, hunger, and inflation? References 1. Moore, Harriet L. Soviet Far East· ern Policy: 1931-1945, pp. 1-4; 129139. 2. Chenery, William L. "Red Shadow Over the Pacific," Colliers, Vol. 120, No. 11 (September 13, 1947), pp. 26; 41-43. 3. Noble, Harold J. "The Russians Are Very Busy in Japan," The Satnrday Evening Post, Vol. 219, No. 21 (November 23, 1946) pp. 14; 15; 115-117. 4. Kawakami, Kiyoshi K. "The Comintern for Asia," Human Events, Vol. IV, No. 50 (December 10, l 947) pp. I-IV. t 5. Berrigan, Parell. "Russia Builds a Base in Japan," The Saturday Evening Post, Vol. 220, No. 19 (November 18, 1947) pp. 26-29; 155-156. Report on the Progress of the UNAC A report recently released by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Trygve Lie, showed the continued progress of the United Nations Appeal for Children (UNAC). The total global collections for the UN AC has reached 14 million dollars. Britain has raised about· 2 million dollars. Switzerland has raised $920,000. The Philippines has collected $67,500 and East Indonesia had collected $16,195. The appeal is being actively supported by 42 countries. The latest countries to join the UNAC were Poland and the Union of South Africa. The UNAC is now five months old. It has been called "an investment in a peaceful future." 64. Current Events Review, Vol- IV, No- 2 ExcELLENT IS OUR RATING U D ~: :\ \t Y WHEN vou read the CURUENT EVENTS REVIEW you will understand world developments because it presents and analyzes news and their si·gnificance. The magazine completes and makes up-to-date the study of history and other social science subjects. The Directo1· of the United States Information Service rates the CURREN']) EVENTS REVIEW as an EXCELLENT publication. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of International Information and Ct1ltural Affairs Mr. D. R. Manlapaz, Publisher Current Events Review 123-126 Reten Sampaloe, Manila Dear Mr. Manlapaz: December 24, 1946 I have just seen for the first time a copy of your "Current Events Review" for high school students. This seems to me an excellent publication for keeping your schools informed of world developments. We have now put your publication in our regular release lis~. 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