TSARIST DEBTS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 1561, 17 June 1920, Page 5

TSARIST DEBTS.

KRASSIS DRIVES A BARGAIN. fßy Electric Cable; —Copyright.] (Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON', June lf>. The Cabinet, at a meeting with Krassin. the Russian Trade dolomite, discussed the Prussian Government's debts contracted up to 1917. Krassin completely denied liability, and intimated that if the force of circumstances compelled the acceptance of liability the Soviet Government would insist on a counter-balancing: factor, and upon inheriting such rights and privileges as were given to Russia under former treaties, even if secret, including the cession of Constantinople to Russia under the Treaty of London of 1915. Furthermore, it would write of the charges incurred in overcoming the attacks of "the White Rebels," if they were financed or supported by any Foreign Power, together with the cost of repairing the damages incurred in these campaigns. Financiers and business men, representing ten nations, have concluded a conference in Paris, urging the respective Governments not to resume trade with Russia until an international agreement has been secured, compelling the Leninites to fulfil obligations incurred during the Tsarist regime.

The "Manchester Guardian says that one of the most ardent supporters ot the reopening of trade now admits that Krassin's outlook is unpromising. It asserts that the British Government is really attempting to complete a de facto peace while it is unwilling to resume diplomatic relations; but Krassin has not yet secured .satisfactory assurances from Moscow. Meanwhile British firms are pressing for the restoration of their private property in Russia, and their insistence may contribute to the wrecking of negotiations.