Tired But Happy

From Moscow's Kursk Station General Charles de Gaulle chugged off for home, one day last week, in a swirling Russian snowstorm. He was sleepy but happy, for in his pocket was a treaty of alliance and mutual assistance between Russia and France. It had been signed at 4:40 that morning, after an all-night session that began with a 20-course Russian banquet attended by U.S. and British diplomats and members of the military missions to Moscow.

The terms would be published later. But it was known that the treaty in general followed the 20-year alliance between Britain and Russia. It pledged the signatories to cooperate in the war against Germany "until complete victory," provided for joint safeguarding of Europe from new aggressions after the war.

As he ended his 16-day visit General de Gaulle said: "I am sure the days we have spent here will leave their mark on the history of this war and I believe, too, they will leave their mark on the peace for the good of all men. Long live Soviet Russia!" Shaking hands with Foreign Commissar Molotov, he added: "Thank you for everything."

Well might he say so. The Russian alliance had bettered his bargaining position in international politics, had enormously strengthened his position at home. For France's powerful Communist Party, if it does not actively support De Gaulle, will be bound not to make trouble for him so long as his Government is an ally of Russia.

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