Ratification of the Russo-German Pact

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22802, 30 August 1939, Page 8

Ratification of the RussoGerman Pact

An interesting and possibly important item 7 in the cable news this morning is the announcement from Moscow that the Soviet Supreme Council, which began an emergency session on Monday, will not discuss the Russo-German Non-Aggression Pact until Thursday or Friday. At'a time when everyone is grasping at straws, there is a natural willingness to assume this to mean, that the Russian Government, in order to retain ; power of restraint over Germany, is deferring ratification of the pact until the nature of Germany’s demands against Poland has been more cJtearly indicated. Though the assumption may be valid, there are some facts which should be borne in mind. One is that the-ratification of treaties is not among the functions of the Soviet Supreme Council, though previous statements from Moscow seem to indicate that ratification will not be carried out by the competent body—the Praesidium of the Supreme Council—until the Supreme Council has heard a statement on the pact and has had an opportunity to discuss it. Another is that the text of the pact, while providing for an exchange of ratification- “ in the shortest pos- “ sible time,” also provides that it comes into force “ immediately after ■ its signing.” The position seems to be, therefore, that the pact is now in force provisionally but will lapse if ratification is definitely withheld by one of the parties. -