1941-06-20 — Page 23

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THE CHINA MAIL, JUNE 20, 1941

CHINA MAIL

·WINDSOR HOUSE

NAZI-SOVIET TENSION

It is extremely unlikely that there is any truth in the rumours broadcast: from Ankara of a German invasion of Russia. It is, however, highly probable that the original source of these rumours was Ger- man and that the purpose inspiring their circulation was to impress upon the Kremlin that such а development is not out- side the bounds of pos- sibility. For while there seems to be growing feel- ing that Hitler will not hesitate to strike if he is balked, there is plenty of ground for the belief that he will avoid precipitate action and an unwanted war if his ends can be achieved by other means. His immediate aim is to convince Russia that he means business, though intending nothing more than a large-scale bluff.

On the Russian side, no modification of the ultra- cautious foreign policy of the Soviet is to be expect-

PLEASE

KEEP OFF

THE GRASS

HONEYEL

WORDS

ON THE SPOT

ed. Many are the con- LONDON DEFIES THE FURY OF THE LUFTWAFFE: NO. 2

cessions likely to

be

Day

Cinema

Audiences

By-

by famous personalities, such AS politicians, military experts, etc.

Regrettably, Churchill himself has rarely the time to come to when hc does it is evident how very popu- Jar he really is. His speeches, his remarks, his conclusions

are for days afterwards-discussed in the train, in the bus, in 'the 'tram.

authorised in preference to a clash of arms with Germany. Great as are the anxieties which the Kremlin must feel over the situation, the publicly admitted preoccupation of the Soviet Government for months has been con- centrated on the field of production. Last year's increase in working-time In spite of assertions by the enemy that gigantic petrol dumps to a six-day week and an had been hit and tankers in con- eight-hour day has failed voy sunk, every car driver is al- to provide sufficient totted his petrol ration with the greatest regularity-even includ- stimulus to the industrialling foreigners who are still allow- machine. The Party Con-ed to use their cars. ference in February was Where proof can be given that

Except where military consider- the car is urgently required an devoted largely to

ations do not permit it, the press additional ration is granted. Every

has retained its freedom to a re- denunciations of the motorist has made it a rule to

markable degree. It is as it has

• Commissars responsible offer lifts to pedestrians, where-

always been a mirrör of the for various branches

host diverse points of view and A picture called "London Can opinions. It is united only in production including hours have been considerably al-Take It," showing the capital

leviated. To offer lifts to soldiers during and after air attacks, and that it has one great goal-the

winning of the wår. the fire brigade and other civilian defence organisations in action, In spite of laws giving the their has had an enormous success. The Government almost dictatorial in Chaplin fim, "The Great Dic-powers, the press still criticises. put tator" is the piece de resistance strongly if it considers a Goverti the of the moment.

ment measure to be unsatisfac the

tory.

by the difficulties of bus, rail and

of underground traffic during rush

military supplies, the has become a matter of course. chemical industry and the

lectrical industry vas followed by a minor urge in which several of he offenders were dis- Iissed and others re- rimanded.

Many drivers have fitted and cars

with a collection box which their passengers can whatever they think is due: proceeds are handed over to Red Cross or the local Spitfire Fund.

Gottfried J. the microphone, but

Keller

London Correspondent of the "Basler Nachrichten"