BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20242, 30 April 1929, Page 10

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

In launching the Labour Party's election campaign, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald made a renewal of diplomatic relations with Russia an important policy point. It will probably not pass without challenge, but it is not likely that Russia will figure as a major issue in the contest. Relations were severed in 1027 after the sensational raid on Soviet House in London, which, the Government maintained, produced enough evidence of subversive propaganda, carried on under a claim of diplomatic immunity, to justify this action. The whole affair created a first-class sensation at the time, but memories are short and recollection of it lias largely faded by now. Mr. MacDonald's insistence that diplomatic relations must bo resumed is not likely, therefore, to be brought into the foreground. The main point in opposition to it will lio in the question what guarantco will be, or can be, given against continuance of such propaganda if any facilities arc allowed. In another aspect of relationship with Russia a much more practical interest is taken. An unofficial economic mission has recently visited the country on the direct invitation of the Soviet Government. The motive has been to arrange for the development of trade. Whether this can be done whilo a diplomatic breach persists is a point hotly debated. The organiser of the mission takes the view that Russian recognition of her repudiated foreign debt is essential if trade is to be established on any considerable scale. Such action would also help to make the healing of the diplomatic breach much more feasible. These two points taken in conjunction suggest that political reconciliation may be the consequence of an economic rapprochement. It would be historically consistent, for England and Russia first became cognisant of one another's existence in the sixteenth century because certain merchant adventurers pioneered voyages in search of a north-east passage to India. Trade led the way then. It may do so again. If it is to do this, Mr. Mac Donald rt insistence on recognition as a political policy is superfluous. Whether that be so or not, it is quite evident that the question will not dominate the election of 1029.