BRITAIN AND THE SOVIET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 21 June 1926, Page 4

BRITAIN AND THE SOVIET

THE fact that t,he British Government, by the mouth of Lord Balfour, has declared that it lias no intention of breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia, in consequence of the use of Soviet money for the purpose of fomenting internal strife in Britain, indicates the closing of an unpleasant incident. It is difficult to see what purpose would he served by prolonging the protest which the British Government has made. It has received a flat denial from the Soviet Government, and, a flier, reiterating its assurance that Soviet money lias been introduced into Britain for life purpose named, the British Government turns to more, important matters.

Tl is almost impossible to unravel the tangled skein of Russian politics, and to sheet home to nnv particular Bureau, Department, or Commissariat the responsibility for actions which contravene international law, custom, or procedure. This is because the Internationale, which is the executive of the Communists of the world, sits perpetually in Russia, and through the. warp of Russia's complex foreign policy weaves the woof of its own sinister designs. And the situation is the more com■dhnted because the leaders of the jovial (hnvrnrncnl are the leaders of .lie Internationale. Therefore for all practical purposes the action of the Internationale is the action of the Soviet Government, and vice versa, so that whichever body sent the tainted gold to Britain in contravention of the law of

nations, it is dear enough that the Soviet Government was cognisant of the unfriendly action.

But in any case, whether Britain maintains diplomatic relations with the Russian Government or not, it is actions such as that complained of which stamp the Soviet as outside the pale of civilized Governments. Almost every European government which has relations with Russia complains of similar laches committed by the Soviet. The best attitude perhaps is that of the United States’ Government which refuses to have any dealings with a Government which repudiates its international obligations; judging, and judging correctly, that a Government which will not act correctly in regard to its international debts, cannot he expected to act with rectitude in reference to anything. Hence the United States have no diplomatic relations with the Soviet.