Wank ~ Crechoslovakia’s hope for peace based on unity, says Gottwald PRAGUE—In reply to a series of questions from the United Press, Prime Minister Klement Gottwald of Czechoslovakia last week said his country’s hopes for peace were based on the policy of democratic cooperation. The 51 year-old premier, a charter member of the Czechoslovak Communist party, who has headed the seven-party | coalition government since June, 1946, gave the following answers in writing to a series of questions: Q.—"Do you regard Czechoslo- vakia as being within any so-called European bloc? To enable Czecho- slovakia to make the maximum contribution to world recovery what types of international coop- eration do you favor for your country?” A—‘"Czechoslovakia is not a member of any European bloc. However, Czechoslovakia has a treaty of alliance and closely co- operates with the Soviet Union and the other Slav states. “This alliance was founded and developed according to the_ prin- ciples of democratic equality and mutual respect for state sover- eignty and has as its goal a com- mon defense against possible repe- tition of German aggression and economic and cultural coopera- tion. “Czechoslovakia desires to co- operate with every state. and na- tion on the basis of these demo- cratic, peace loving principles. Co- operation Of the Slav nations and their will to live together with all nations and states in a democratic and friendly manner is, in my opinion, the best ‘contribution to the recovery of the- world.’ Miners confer on new regulations Lecals of the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers (CIO) have begun dis- cussion of the draft Metalliferous Mines Act as proposed to dele- gates at their recent district co- vention by provincial Mines Min- ister R. C. MacDonald, accord- to Harvey Murphy, western re- gional director. ? The discussions opened at Kim- berley last week and will con- tinue until all union locals have Q.—“In what way do you believe friendly relations between Czecho- slovakia and the United States can be further extended and ce- mented?” A.—‘“On the basis of the above mentioned principle relations be- tween Czechoslovakia and the Un- ited States can also be extended and cemented.” d Q.—‘Do yau believe Czechoslo- vakia can still contribute to the lessening of misunderstanding be- tween the east and west and if so in what way?” . A.—"“Czechoslovakia never play- ed and does not intend to play the role of any kind of mediator be- tween the ‘East’ and ‘West.’ Czechoslovakia stands solidly on the peace-loving, democratic in- ternational policy of the USSR and the Slav Peoples’ democratic states. “T am of the opinion that this policy is the sole possible demo- cratic and peace-loving policy both for the ‘East’ and for the ‘West’. I further believe that this policy is understandable to every honest democrat in the whole world and that ‘misunderstanding’ is pur- posely cultivated by international reactionary elements who do not desire to see peace and demo- cratic consolidation.” Q.—“There has been much talk to the effect that it is impossible for a citizen to be a good Com- munist and simultaneously a na- tional patriot. Any comment on this?” A—‘The basis of Communist policy is the well-being of the working people, freedom of na- tions and peace and democratic cooperation between nations. As a result of this it is not only pos- sible but necessary that good Communists be also good patriots.” Q.—“In the last six to 12 months have living conditions for the peo- ple of Czechoslovakia improved? What do you deem to be immed- iate prospects?” A.—In the first half of this year it was possible to note con- tinuous, gradual improvement in the living conditions of our peo- submitted their recommendation. HAND- 63 WestCordovaStreet - - - - HIGH QUALITY LOGGERS AND WORK BOOTS JOHNSON’ MADE S$ @BOOTS Phone MArine 7612 - se = = CLASS IFIED eee EET A charge of 50 cents for each|0O.K. Antonuck— insertion of five lines or less with 10 cents for each additional line is made for notices appearing in this column. No notices will be accepted later than Monday noon of the week of publication. Method approved by M.D. ssci- ence. Satisfaction guaranteed: Hair must grow from. extra scalp food, not from bone or wood. Seek my aid, 671 Smythe St., Vancouver, B.C, NOTICES Oldtime Dancing To Alf Carlson’s Orchestra Every Wednesday and Saturday Hastings Auditorium : 828 East Hastings Phone HAstings 1248 Moderate Rental Rates For socials, weddings, meetings ASH BROS. CARTAGE 516 West Seventh Ave. Newly Married Couple— UBC. students, “no children, need small suite or housekeep-~ ing rooms by January 1. Would appreciate leads. Phone Jack Howard, ALma 1268-Y. Dance, Clinton Hall+ 2605 East Pender. Dance every General Cartage FA. 0242 FA, 0469 Meetings— Swedish-Finnish Workers Club Saturday night. Modern and Old-Time. Viking’s Orchestra. Hall is available for rent, HAstings 3277. Xmas Trees— Any size, reasonable. Mike Eagle, FAir. 6234-R. Delivery if desired. meets last Friday of every month at 7.30 p.m. in Clinton Hall. WHAT’S DOING Croatian Hall Available for Dances, Socials, Weddings, Banquets, Meetings, Reasonable rates, 600 Camp- bell Avenue. HAstings 0087. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1947 | Coming Events— Important Meeting: Mackenzie- Papineau Vets in the IWA Hiring Hall, 2:30 December 28. Please attend! ple. On the basis of successful fulfillment of the two-year econ- omic plan, the Czechoslovak gov- ernment in April -proceeded to reduce prices of most important goods. “In the second half of this year, however, an unexpected, unfavor- able factor intervened in this development—drought. As a re- sult, Czechoslovakia suffered an unfavorable harvest which, of course, showed itself in the food situation. “However, thanks to: the Soviet Union which already in the sum- mer promised us 200,000 tons of bread grain and 200,000 tons of fodder grain and which now at our request increased the amount of bread by a further 200,000 tons, our food supply will be assured— if Czechoslovak farmers honestly fulfill their delivery quotas. “The operation of the two-year plan continues successfully even now. In the first 10 months the plan was fulfilled by 100.4 percent. We can therefore, believe that we will overcome results of the poor harvest and we will continue along the road of a rising standard of living for our people.” s Brevity Pres. John L. Lewis of the United Mine Workers of America leaving his Washington office after sending AFL-Pres. William Green a curt note saying “we disaffiliate”’ from the AFL. Approved unanimously by the UMW 34man executive board, the action grew from Lewis’ opposition to the AFL decision to comply with the mon-commun- ist and financial statement re- quirements of the Taft-Hartley law. ALL FORMS OF INSURANCE Auto — Fire Sickness & Accident Personal Property Floaters, etc. LAURIE NOWRY Representing A. J. Rudland Insurance Broker & Auto Finance M.A.7756 163 W. Hastings M.A.9407 (after 4.30) Tonic for Hollywood slush Scene from ‘Gypsies,’ one of six Soviet films to be shown in a double-feature festival of Russian films at the State Theatre next week. Among this group ‘Chapayev.’ of films is the world-renowned Renowned pictures in Soviet film festival A festival of outstanding Soviet pictures will be shown at the State Theatre starting with a midnight show Sunday, December 28th. This holiday bill of double features marks the fitting year-end to the State Theatre of a successful showing- of foreign films and par- ticularly Soviet movies. Because of the decline of Holly- wood with its huge number of flops designed to overwhelm such fine pictures as Crossfire and Mon- sieur Verdieux a growing audience has learned to appreciate foreign films. Even such publications as ‘Box Office’ and ‘Showmans Trade Review,’ the chief trade publica- tions for the movie houses, have been giving special attention re- cently to the growing interest in foreign films. The Soviet festival brings the best and most interesting Soviet pictures for their last Vancouver showing. Since there is only one print left of each of the features it is not likely any of these famous pictures will be seen again in Vancouver. English titles makes the action of all the pictures easily followed. Starting off with the outstanding “Chapayev” the Red Commander which is possibly the best know? and liked of Russian films, the second feature is “Country Bride.” The later is a delightful musical with its setting in the wheat fields” of the Ukraine. — , Wednesday and Thursday is @ grand double bill of Sergei Hisen- — stein’s masterpiece “Alexander Nevsky” with music by Prokofieff, and “Gypsies.” The last part of the Festival for Friday and Satur- day is the impressive pageantry — of “Peter the Great” and “Three — Women” which has special musi!¢ by Shostokovitch. — ZENITH CAFE | 105 E. Hastings Vancouver ae Castle Jewelers Watchmaker, Jewellers Next to Castle Hotel 752 Granville MA, 8711 A. Smith, Mgr. VICTORIA NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE at 902 Government St. ALL THE TRIMMINGS $3.00 Couple Labor’s New Year’s Eve Committee -— Phone B-2816 aett) KITSILANO LPP CLUB extends SEASON’S GREETINGS to all “PT” readers and friends for A MERRY XMAS AND A PROSPEROUS 1948 For a Good Suit or Overcoat Sores to the OLD ESTABLISHED RELIABLE FIRM REGENT TAILORS — 324 West Hastings Street — EVERY GARMENT STRICTLY UNION MADE err PACIFIC TRIBUNE — PAGE §