Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, AUGUST 3rd., 1929. BRITAIN & RUSSIA

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 August 1929, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, AUGUST 3rd., 1929. BRITAIN & RUSSIA

‘’J’HE news of the early breakdown in the negotiations for a ,re-

newal of Anglo-Russian relations, will not be received with despair by most people in the Empire, as the wisdom of the Labour Ministry in taking the initiative in that direction was questioned. It may be that the Soviet is bluffing, as usual, and will later instruct its delegate to resume the conversations with Mr. Heilderson, but, meanwhile, there will be little agitation in Britain concerning the developments. It is possible that the Labour Ministry is also indifferent. To placate its supporters, and to prove the good faith of assertions made when Labour was the Opposition, the MacDonald Cabinet had to make an effort to come to an understanding with Russia, but having made the attempt, it can rest on its laurels, if any.

Moreover, the Ministry’s attitude should strengthen it in the country. It has proved by its insistence on the conditions laid ,down for the Soviet, and its refusal to harbour Trotsky in Britain, that it will not sacrifice British interests, and thus a fear among many who wish Labour well, is removed. Certainly, none can blame Labour for insisting on a quid pro quo if it grants Russia the commercial advantages of a resumption of relations. The Soviet, which has denounced Mr. MacDonald and all his works, may be “playing to the gallery,” to Moscow masses, and will utilise Mr. Henderson’s firmness for its own nefarious propaganda purposes. Russia wants British recognition more than Russian trade is desired

by Britain, especially if the latter has to run serious risk of not getting paid for the goods supplied.

Nothing has happened of late to make the Soviet more popular in Britain. The campaign at Moscow and elsewhere against God and religion is offensive to British traditions, and Communist mischiefmaking propaganda in India, Australia and other parts of the Empire is unceasing. British good faith is perpetually attacked, and the Russian people are taught continuous hymns of hate against Britain., No effort has been made to pay the British capital of over 40 millions invested in Russia, in pre-war days, and no due interest is forthcoming. Well/may many Britons be opposed to any Anglo-Russian friendship until the Soviet amends its ways, or promises reformation. The Labour Ministry should feel it has now a freer hand regarding dealings with the Soviet, and not persevere too strenuously, in holding out the olive branches, especially when these are slashed aside by the Soviet’s weapons of enmity. It is not as if Communism is progressing. The great “revolutionary battle review” planned for August 1 proved that the workers in variousous countries are aware of Soviet fallacies, and in Russia itself the peasants are increasingly assertive against the Reds. The British Empire has no cause for worry if the Henderson-Dovgalesky negotiations are never resumed. Britain desires to be friendly with all nations, but only on. the usual grounds of mutual honesty and goodwill.