THE SOVIET AND THE PACT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 August 1928, Page 4

THE SOVIET AND THE PACT

IT has been said that it is almost impossible to analyse the psychology of a Government, because its mental and spiritual processes are as variable as arc the opinions of its members. How impossible, therefore, it must ho to analyse the psychology of the Soviet Government, of Russia. But when that Government declares it is hurt because it was not invited to subscribe to Mr Kellogg’s Peace Pjjet, the civilised world will smile; the Soviet Government and good faith being so far apart. What use would there be in inviting a burglar to join an association for the suppression of theft? Having repudiated Russia’s just debts to nations which were her allies during the Great War, the Soviet Government lias placed itself outside the pale. Doubtless it would consider it a cheap way of getting inside the pale, if it could do so by simply signing a Peace Pact. But the Americans are a hard-headed people, and they naturally > argue! that a Government which repudiates the just debts of the nation which it rules, would not hesitate to repudiate a Peace Pact which it might sign. The one obligation is as sacred as the other, and by repudiating the former the Soviet Government cannot- be trusted to honour the latter. But that Government is inconsistent. While expressing regret that it has not been asked to sign the Peace Pact, its Foreign Minister, M. Tchitcherin, says he is convinced that the Pact is directed against Russia! Nevertheless, he says, the Soviet Government is most anxious to sign. Truly the psychology of that Government is inscrutable. Its Foreign Minister thus accuses the American Government of engineering an anti-Rus-sian movement under the guise of a Peace Pact, and yet he says his Government is anxious to join that movement. Where is Monsieur T’s. logic? Where is his commonsense? What importance can be placed on his assertions? Why, if he wishes to-impress the world with the rectitude of his Government,, dops he talk such positive nonsense?