RENUNCIATION OF WAR

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 22, 27 July 1928, Page 9

RENUNCIATION OF WAR

SOVIET SIGNATURE EMPTY FORMULA WITHOUT (Jnlted Press Association—By Electric TeUgraph—Copyrlgnt. BERLIN, 25th July. The "Berliner Tageblatt" publishes an article from its Moscow correspondent, Paul Scheffer, concerning the Soviet attitude toward the Kellogg Pact for the Eenunciation of War. It expresses opinions, presumably those of SeheflEor himself, but j,t is possible to read in them an expression of the official Soviet view. Scheffer considers that such a pact must remain an empty formula if it lacks the Soviet signature, and suggests guardedly that Moscow would gladly adhere to it if it were sure that no opposition would arise. Undoubtedly the United States desires the Russians' adherence, but it cannot make an approach, as theoretically the Soviet Government does not exist in the eyes of Washington. SOVIET WANTS PEACE. Scheffer says that he has not the slightest doubt that the Soviet's present desire is peace. She is more to blame for the hostile words and actions of others than she admits, but a decisive factor is tho insecurity of the Soviet Union and the possibility that the next [ storm which bursts on this front will extend everywhere. The fear of encirclement is the real spectre in Moscow, and accordingly the greater is the inducement to accompany the Powers on tho road to friendship, and to play a part on tho world stage as an equal among equals. NIGHTMARE OF WAR. The deep scepticism overlying the Kremlin regarding the Soviet's foreign relations causes the preparation of the party and the masses for tho coming war "against the Proletarian State." Just as the Soviet urgently wishes to relieve thel tension in and about Russia arising from the nightmare of war, so is the question a decisive and more pressing one for Europe because- it -is gradually blocking the way to a settlement with the Red and mysterious East and the activity in the West over the "organisation for peace." ARRESTING ANARCHY. The correspondent proceeds: "Simultaneously with the retrogression into war and anarchy in the Eastorn half of Europe, the Kellogg pact is possibly the last chance to arrest this process and give a turn for the better. Tho Soviet, by entering tho ranks of the pact Powers, would gain a more active interest in entering the League, which is the American conception of thorough ingenuousness and simplicity, and would bring it nearer the original task, namely, the maintenance of peace."