RUSSIA MUST HAVE PEACE

by Edgar Snow ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 25, 1947

A great many people whose views oppose those of Edgar Snow nonetheless acknowledge the validity of his argument, the soundness of his factual content, the readability of his text. Russia Must Have Peace is primarily that material which appeared in four articles in the Saturday Evening Post. The foreign editor of the Post, Martin Sommers, contributes an introductory section in which he states that the overruling of Roosevelt's and Marshall's determination on a Channel coast invasion in 1943 has resulted in Soviet Russia now calling the tune in Europe -- insuring themselves against encirclement, forcing U.S. troops to face Russians in Korea, and recognizing mutual fear and distrust. He feels that in fifteen years Russia will be ready for war if we have not meantime ""waged peace"". We must unify our foreign policy, inform ourselves on Russia, inform Russia about us. Snow's little book contributes to that end. He starts by analyzing problems of semantics- definitions- understanding of terms and ideologies, and gives examples on both Soviet Russia's and America's sides. He shows too some points of encouragement in Soviet acceptance of the principle of international cooperation. He discusses some of the gaps in information that breed misunderstanding. He discusses the differences of interpretation of reparations, credits, alliances, expansion, oil monopolies, elections- on both sides fomenting distrust. Obligations again involve a matter of definition. Some of the statements about MacArthur will stir up resentment in certain quarters. And some of his lucid presentation of how things look to ""Ivan"" will prove disturbing and convincing. His conclusion is that Russia must have peace. She is weaker than she acknowledges and the cost of the war was staggering. But she fears a world ""Pax Americana"" so conceals her weakness, and fights for compromises. We both have an investment in peace. America must shoulder the responsibility of world power, of collective security, by coordinating political, economic and national security. The final pages outline specific recommendations. A short book- but one that packs a punch, and backs it with solid facts and sound reason.

Pub Date: April 25, 1947

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1947

Categories: NONFICTION