RUSSIAN TRADE.

Northern Advocate, 4 June 1920, Page 4

RUSSIAN TRADE.

PARLEY PROCEEDING,

VKKY COMPLEX SUBJ^T.

OPINION SHARPLY DIVIDED,

(Received 8.40 a.m.)

LONDON, June 3

Latest reports indicate that the Bolshevist Mission has inspired increasing While KrassLn

caution and criticism

hmisolf is conscious of tho changing atmosphere he is desperately anxious to pull off something practical.

Tho "Times" continues its slashing attacks, sharing Fiance's hostility, and siatos"that the question of the expediency, and even the morality, of intercourse with the Bolsheviks divides official circles.

It is believed that Mr Wise, British member of the Economic Council, and Mr Kerr, the Premier's secretary, are the chief advocates of the Bolshevists' cause, while the Foreign Office and other departments regard the negotiations with disapproval and misgiving.

Unanimity prevails on one point only, namely, the impossibility of touching Bolshevik gold; also it is doubted whether bartered goods from Russia would not be liable to seizure to satisfy Brilish and other creditors of Russia.

A Bolshevist secretary (or supervisor) constantly shadows Krassin, who talks Marxist jargon and shows almost fatuous optimism in officially estimating Russia's available exports. He hints that Russia's debts might be discussed, but carefully disavows the Bolshevists' obligations under the Law of Nations.

It is possible that the Allies will ultimately send n commission to test Krassin's assurances and to investigate the ownership of exportable commodities. — United Service.