FACING FACTS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 123, 25 May 1923, Page 6

FACING FACTS

While Bolshevik crowds, with more than a suggestion of official approval, have hanged Lord Curzon in effigy, the Soviet itself has been compelled to recognise that such methods will not maintain a Trade Agreement. Nor will the pleasure derived from contemplating a row of Curzons hanging from a whole line of gibbets be adequate compensation for the loss of the trade which is necessary for the rehabilitation of Russia. The Soviet has faced facts, and, while not withdrawing unconditionally from an untenable position, has made considerable concessions. It has withdrawn its demand for a twelvemile limit of territorial waters, so far as Britain is concerned; and it has agreed to pay compensation for maltreatment of British subjects, though denying at the same time that there has been maltreatment. It is willing to take back offensive letters signed by Weinstein. In short, the Soviet is prepared to atone for past misdeeds, but maintains its innocence of offence. The only point upon which there yet remains a serious cause for disagreement is that relating to Soviet propaganda in the East. Possibly the Soviet has been encouraged to make a stand upon this ground by the tone of the debate in the British House of Commons, and particularly by Mr. Lloyd George's reference to Eastern relationships.

Mr. Lloyd George said that an essential preliminary to the stoppage of propaganda in the East was the re-establishment of some sort of Anglo-Russian understanding on foreign policy. The Soviet reply on this question suggests that the words of the ex-Prime Minister have furnished the cue. " The only way of settling conflict, preventing future recrimination and co-ordi-nating th© different viewpoints (states the reply), is by a discussion by specially selected representatives of both countries." This follows the denial of any infringement in the East, and suggests that though the Soviet feels bound to make such a denial, it admits possible justification for the British charge. Investigation of specific charges is promised, and reafh'rcnation of the undertakings given in the Agreement is invited. Even in this part of the reply the tone is conciliatory, and in marked contrast with the Soviet's earlier Note. Only in one part does the Soviet become in any way aggressive or threatening, and even this section of the Note may be interpreted as dictated rather by apprehension than by militarism. But conciliatory though the Soviet may be, the danger of a. breach cannot yet be regarded as wholly removed. Th© Soviet was as conciliatory when it made th& Trade Agreement. It was only in the observance of that Agreement that the trouble arose. If the Agreement is now confirmed, or if its scope is extended as Mr. Lloyd Geoz'ge has suggested, Britain will still be. without effective guarantees that .the undertakings will be duly honoured except when the advantage of observance is clearly with the Soviet.