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Describing the Russian reversal of form before the outbreak of war in Europe as a result of Britain's "dilly-dallying around," Samuel H. Cross '12, professor of Slavic languages, last night explained in a Crimson Network talk the Russians' entry into this war.
Russia first shied away from an Anglo-French accord against Germany when the Munich pact was signed in 1935, Professor Cross Said. In this instance Britain and France acted completely without consulting Moscow, thereby arousing the ire of the Russian Bear.
From then on Russia found herself in an advantageous position, which finally paid off in her German pact of '39. She could jockey herself between Germany's desire for protection in her rear, and England and France's need for an ally to the east of the Nazis. For a year, between the signing of the Munich pact and the German invasion of Poland, Russia could afford to burn her candle at both ends. The quick demolition of Poland, followed by the demise of France, removed Hitler's need for protection on her Western Wall, and Russo German relations became strained.
Twenty-two months after the invasion of Poland, the blow, that many had thought would never come, fell and Russia was prectpitated into the war at the side of Britain, and later the United States.
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