OPINION IN LORDS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 53, 4 March 1927, Page 10

OPINION IN LORDS

EARL GREY'S ATTITUDE

(Received 4th Marohj 2 p.m.)

LONDON, 3rd March,

In the House of Lords, Lord Newton drew attention to the Soviot's reply to tho British Note. He opined that the breaking-off of diplomatic relations and cancellation of the Trade Agreement had been justified over and over again.

Lord Reading said ho saw no advantage in cither course, and he doubted whether any other country would follow our example. Our hands e'iould be left free for further action if and when necessary.

Lord Salisbury said that tho peace and prosperity of tho world depended upon Britain's proper conduct. Of foreign affairs. We must not through pique, injured dignity, or some triviality take action capable of doing groat harm.

Viscount Grey said that every line of Britain's Note Was justified, but ho doubted the expediency of sending it. The Soviet was only using the Note to imbue in the Red army the idea that Britain purposed to attack Russia. Our prestige and reputation would have been better served by silence. The only way to meet propaganda was coun-ter-propaganda. The Government oould not undertake this, but constitutionally minded Labourites and trade unionists, who wci'o the peoplo immediately attacked by tho Soviet, ought to do so. The House rose.