The Pittsburgh Press (February 8, 1946)
Russia still encircled, must strengthen army, Soviet officials warn
Two top leaders stress ‘capitalist’ neighbors, say ‘friends’ respect Reds’ strength only
MOSCOW (UP) – Two top members of the all-powerful Soviet Politbureau declared today that Russia is still “encircled” by the world’s capitalist powers and must take steps to strengthen her armed forces.
Addressing a mass election meeting in Tashkent, Lazar Kaganovich, the “iron commissar” of the State Defense Committee. called for a strong and vigilant national policy to maintain the Soviet Union’s present position.
“We are still within the capitalist encirclement,” Kaganovich warned. “Therefore, there must not be any smugness or complacency. We must not weaken, but on the contrary we must strengthen Bolshevik vigilance.”
Simultaneously, G. M. Malenkov, secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and Politbureau, told another election rally that: “It is no secret that our friends respect us because we are strong. We must always remember that our friends will respect us so long as we remain powerful… That is why, in order to consolidate our victory, we must first of all strengthen the Socialist state and strengthen the glorious Red Army.”
Pledge ‘peace policy’
Both speakers accompanied their warnings with the promise that Russia would continue to carry out a “peace policy” built upon protection of the “state interests” and security of the Soviet people.
The preparedness addresses followed the theme laid down by Foreign Commissar V. M. Molotov, who declared in a radio address Wednesday night that Russia was bent on making the Red Army as strong as any other nation’s armies.
Molotov attacked what he called “dangerous talk of a third world war” which he said was being encouraged by the “ruling classes” of non-Communist countries.
Spur voters
Kaganovich and Malenkov were among the last of a long array of top Soviet leaders to speak in the current election campaign which ends with nationwide balloting for members of the Supreme Soviet on Sunday. The general elections normally are held every four years. But none has been conducted since the war began.
Moscow presented a carnival appearance today. Homes and buildings were decked out with Soviet banners. Mass meetings were held in factories, schools and public buildings.
Party leaders and organizers went from house to house checking the registration to insure a 100 percent turnout for the voting.
Sleds to collect vote
At the same time, it was announced that arrangements have been made for travelers to vote on trains and ships. Reindeer and dogsled teams will be sent into the Arctic areas to collect the votes there.
Ice-bound crews in the Soviet polar weather stations will be permitted to vote by radio.