RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18895, 18 December 1924, Page 10

RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA.

Mr. Austen Chamberlain's statement that the British Government does; not think it opportune to resume negotiations with the Soviet Government is a formal affirmation of his party's attitude repeatedly proclaimed before its return to office. Technically the position between Britain and Russia is virtually that established by the Labour Government's recognition of the Soviet Government. That recognition was granted unconditionally but with an understanding that conditions would subsequently be defined. They still lack definition, for the Soviet Government has demonstrated beyond possibility of misunderstanding that it is unwilling or unable to fulfil its undertakings. Its chief purpose in seeking relations with Western Powers being to acquire foreign capital, the Soviet is consequently faced with a new crisis. Mr. Chamberlain's declaration plainly indicates that no overtures will be made by Britain. Britain still "recognises" the Soviet Government, but it regards it as a faith-breaking power that has declared war on the rest of humanity. Whenever negotiations are resumed, it must be on the initiative of Russia: her Government must make the first move if it seeks the restoration of commercial relations and endeavours to attract foreign capital into Russia. There will be no more negotiations with irresponsible private members cajoling Bolshevik delegates and threatening Foreign Office and Cabinet. Nor will there be any further suggestion of the Government guaranteeing a loan to Russia. The only conditions in which such a guarantee could be given were defined by Mr. Philip Snowden, Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour Government. He declared that the Exchequer would never agree to guarantee any loan to a foreign State except upon such absolute security as would make default next to impossible. Since a guarantee would then be unnecessary, Mr. Snowden's attitude was indistinguishable from Mr. Baldwin's refusal to give a guarantee in any circumstances. When next Bolshevik delegates go to London they must be prepared to give such guarantees of good faith that public confidence will be restored. The objection has been made that to expect so much, to adopt the attitude defined by Mr. Chamberlain, is to make Russia a pariah among the nations. Yet the plain fact is that Russia is outcast by the policies and the actions of her own Government, and so long as it uses its power and its resources to promote revolution against its neighbours, they would be foolish to support the former or to replenish the latter.