RUSSIA.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16852, 4 June 1920, Page 7

RUSSIA.

THE LONDON CONFERENCE.

Cable—Press Association—Copyrisht.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable i»e6ociation.) LONDON, Juno 1. It is understood that the British Government will insist on the release of the British prisoners in Russia before assenting to a resumption of trade.

To-day's meeting between Krassin and the British Ministers dealt with only general trade proposals, and not with any question of the recognition of the Soviet, which has been declared to bo the main object of ICrassin's mission. The object of to-day's meeting was to discover what Russia needed and what she was able to export. It was made clear that trade could not be conducted simultaneously with propaganda. (United Service.) LONDON, June 2.

Tho "Sveninn: Standard" states that no question will be raised rejrnrdin.2: the payment, hy Russia, for Allied goods in gold.

KrasJvfn's proposals are on the basis of goods for goods, possibly £ax .and wheat for locomotives and other manufactures. France and Italy will participate in the exchange. FRENCH PRESS COMMENT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association..) PARIS, June 2.' The "Petit Pa.risien" states that the conversations between Mr Lloyd George and Krassin have caused a painful surprise. Both the "Petit Parisien" and the ''Journal" express the opinion that Britain is really aiming to secure the cessation of the Bolshevik advance on Persia. BRITISH BLACK SEA POLICY. (Renter's Telegrams.) LONDON, June 1. In the House of Commons Mr Walter Lonrr. First Lord of the Admiralty, i stated that British warships were protecting the sea communications to the Crimea until the expected armistice was arranged between General Wrangel's army (which holds the peninsula) and Soviet Russia. Negotiations in this connexion would becrin shortly. The warships wero intended to prevent a Bolshevik attack along the Black Sen coast or tho road to Rntum, and to support the at Bntum.

Mr Lono; denied that Groat Britain was at war with Soviet Russia. The Admiralty was strictly carrving out tho policy lm'd down bv tho Prime Minif> ter in the House of Commons, and was only tnkini; tho ordinary precautionary measures in tho Black nacossitated by the policy of the Allies.

EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS.

(Renter's Telegrams.) (Received June 4th. 1.25. a.m.)

BERLIN. June 1

It is announced that tho Russian and German Governments have ratified an agreement for the exchange of their respective prisoners of war.