VARIED OPINIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1927, Page 7

VARIED OPINIONS.

Note Criticised by British Press. PRANCE APPROVES. (Received 0.30 a.m.) LONDON", February 24. The opinions expressed in the newspapers concerning the Note are curiously varied. The "Times" describes it as a strong document, but says it is too much to expect that it will produce the impression desired. The only effective answer to the Note would be a revolutionary change in the whole policy of the Soviet Government toward Britain.

The "Morning Post" favours stronger measures against the Soviet, but significantly says it does not join in the crusade against Sir Austen Chamberlain, the Foreign Office and the Government for not taking those measures. It says its reason is, "partly because the agitation covers a rather transparent and altogether unworthy political intrigue and partly because it is advisable to support the Government in this time of crisis, but chiefly because we believe the Foreign Office is not lukewarm, but is resolved to take its own time. ,.

The "Daily Telegraph" commends the Note. Its Parliamentary correspondent says the view taken by the Foreign Office has been that the Bolsheviks should be given another chance.

The correspondent adds that there is comment in the lobby to the effect that the language used in the Note is not so definite as could have been desired.. Final Warning. The political correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" says the ''die-hards" are disappointed by the feebleness of the Xote. Nevertheless, he says, the warning given to the Soviet is final. It also indicates that Mr. Baldwin, Sir Austen Chamberlain, the Marquess of Salisbury, Lord Robert Cecil and the Earl of Balfour have been beaten by Mr. Winston Churchill, the Earl of Birkenhead, Sir W. Joynson-Hicks and Mr. L. C. M. S. Ainery!^

The "Chronicle" remarks that those who preach breaking off relations with Russia and expelling the Reds should be asked seriously whether they want another great war. Britain should counter Russian propaganda in China, and in Asia, by better propaganda of her own. ] The ''Daily Mail" describes the Note as "a display of feebleness and funk which will make the blood of every selfrespecting Briton tingle in his veins." The "Westminster Gazette" says: "We do not want to drift along into something more serious than a breach of diplomatic relations." The "Daily Herald" says the relations between Britain and the Soviet have been a history, not of diplomacy, but of '"back-chat." At this Mr. Churchill, Lord Birkenhead and Sir W. JoynsonHicks can equal any Russian. EXEMPLARY COURAGE. LITTLE SHORT OF ULTIMATUM. (Received 10 a.m.) PARIS, February 24. The newspapers approve Britain's Note, though there is a doubt whether it will achieve its object. '"(.iaulois" praises Britain's act as exemplary courage. The Note marks a leaction against a long series of blunders which Britain started by recognisi: j the Soviets. This is a warning to France.

"Le Matin" says the Note only falls short of being an ultimatum, though refraining from fixing-a time limit, but the Soviet will continue to play a twofaced crame. The British bulldog might as well bark at the moon.

"L'Oeuvre" wonders how far Britain intends to carry out its threats, and what she can gain in any case. NOT CONSULTED. (Received 12 noon.) LONDON. February 24. The Foreign Office has sent copies of the Russian" Note to the Dominions, which it is believed were not consulted because the decision is solely Britain's responsibility.