RUSSIAN REPLY.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2647, 16 May 1923, Page 5

RUSSIAN REPLY.

ftDOPTS TONE OF INJURED INNOCENCE. DENIES ANTI-BRITISH POLICY IN THE EAST. RECIPROCAL COMPENSATION. lite Soviet reply to Britain's Note expresses surprise at the tone of the ultimatum. It denies that Russia has worked against Britain and on the other hand, alleges that Russia has been challenged by Britain's foreign policy In several instances. It urges that a conference would quickly clear up the points in dispute. [By Electric Cable—Copyright.] [Aust and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Tuesday, 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 14. The text of the Russian reply has been issued. It states that' <he bitter and unfounded hostility of the British Government's memorandum was absolutely unexpected by the Soviet Government. The method of ultimatums and threats arc not methods by which misundersandings between States can be resolved. Russia appreciated the fact that Britain was the first of the Great Powers to conclude an agreement', and the Government has always taken this into accc nt in its relations with Britain, but the trade agreement certainly did not benefit one side alone. No one denies the vast importance of Russian raw materials appearing on the European markets. The existing basis of the agreement is not sufficient, but the British Governmen has always avoided a businesslike discussion of the questions in dispute. The Soviet Government absolutely denies that alleged numerous challenges have been deliberately thrown down by Soviet Russia to Britain and there is no foundation for such an assertion. The Soviet regrets that the British Government did not find if possible to mention at least one case. On the contrary, the Soviet Government is ready to quote not a few cases during the last few years of real challenges by Britain such as the Straits, of Eastern Galicia. Memel and .Bessarabia. If Russia has not sent Notes protesting, it is because she has not lost hope of a general settlement. The Russian Government', however, possesses many documents demonstrating the energetic activity of the British against the Soviet. The extracts cited by the British are a combination of invented, and falsified extract's from deciphered telegrams. The Soviet does not deny it sen*, money to its representatives in Persia, but it cannot admit that the develop-] ment of amicable connection with I Eastern peoples, founded on a genuine respect for their interests, is a breach of the Russo-Brit'ish trade agreement. If the British considers such a policy must be anti-British, these are quite comprehensible. The execution of Davison and the arrest of Mrs Harding took place before the British blockade ended. The Government is willing to compensate Davison's family and Mrs Harding if the British Government expresses the I same readiness in respect of Russian citizens. The Russian Government is also willing to participate in an international conference on the problems of territorial waters and has taken steps to release the British trawlers. The Soviet Government considers it necessary to repudiate in categorical fashion the baseless assertions that it has persecuted any religion, Soviet justice only punishes ecclesiastics who abuse their positions for political activity against the Republic. The position of the Soviet Republics has not, cannot, have any dependence on the will of a foreign Government, but if those at the head of affairs in Britain recognise this fact, the most important obstacle to normal and tranquil relations will be eliminated. The Soviet Republics place a high value on the present relations with Britain, and seek to maintain and develop them. They fully recognise that a rupture of relations would be pregnant with new dangers involving a threat against peace. There is no foundation for a rupture, and a satisfactory settlement dpuld be quickly reached by a conference between representatives of| both States.