ANGLO-SOVIET RELATIONS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 9 July 1925, Page 9

ANGLO-SOVIET RELATIONS.

POSSIBILITY OF TROUBLE. OVER BOLSHEVIK PROPAGANDA. AN APPEAL FOR CONSIDERATION BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. (Received July 9, 1.50 p.m.) LONDON, July 8. Arising out of existing Anglo-Rus-sian relations, some quarters ascribe special significance to the departure ol Rakovsky from Moscow for London by the air express. He arrives to-morrow, having been sent to interview Mr Austen Chamberlain (Foreign Secretary), who in the House of Commons recently hinted that the continuance of Soviet propaganda was a matter for grave consideration. It is _ a coincidence that Rakovsky’s visit synchronises with the Prime Minister’s receipt of a letter from the Trade Union Congress, expressing the fear that the reported speeches of British Cabinet Ministers indicated that attempts were being made to create an Anglo-Russian crisis over the events in China; also calling attention to Mr Chamberlain’s refusal of Tchiteherin’s offer for cordial discussion of the questions- at issue. The letter urges that nothing should he done iiU the direction of diplomatic cleavage, and also -appeals for full consultation with the Soviet's accredited diplomats.—A. and N.Z Assn.

In a. recent speech Lord Birkenhead (Secretary for India) said the time has undoubtedly come when we shall have to ask ourselves w'hether we are helpless in the face of a country diplomatically represented in our midst, hut by restless subterranean activity throughout the w T orld seeking the destruction of the British Empire. The Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Mr -Austen Chamberlain), subsequently questioned in the House of Commons in regard to Lord Birkenhead’s reference to Bolshevist intrigues, said the speech was made with a full sense of obligations and with Cabinet responsibility. The Government was watching the situation, and would from time to time take the steps necessary to protect British interests. Further pressed, Mr Chamberlain referred to his speech in the House on June 24. He 'said he had then deliberately refrained from mentioning a particular nation, hut if the questioner insisted he would sav he meant Soviet influence in China.

A cable message on July 5 stated that the Sunday Times understands that a critical point has been reached in Anglo-Soviet relations. The position is regarded as so serious that Cabinet is considering breaking off diplomatic relations. It is likely that a stern warning will presently be addressed to the Soviet, demanding an explanation of hostile activities.