U.S. Help for Food Shortages in Soviet Union
In considering aid to the Soviet Union to rescue its people from starvation, it behooves us to learn from the past. In 1932 the Soviet economy was in a state of collapse. Early in 1933, Stalin made overtures of peace and cooperation with the United States, and an end to human rights violations, in order to establish recognition for Russia. His overtures were successful: The U.S. gave recognition, established trade, extended aid, thereby rescuing the Soviet economy. Early in 1935, after the economy of his state was well on the road to recovery, Stalin changed his colors and initiated his infamous purges.
The current Soviet regime, with its economy and political system collapsing, is making fantastic overtures of peace, cooperation and an end to human rights violations. These overtures are being made by men who have a record of territorial expansionism, international subversion and terror against their own people.
As we reach out to help the unfortunate people in the Soviet Union, let us be sure that our actions do not secure the iron yoke that has burdened them for the greater part of a century.
EUGENE C. OLSEN
Hesperia
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