MEDDLESOME MOSCOW

Southland Times, Issue 18938, 11 May 1923, Page 4

MEDDLESOME MOSCOW

Exactly why Moscow should desire to go meddling, by means of propaganda, in the affairs of other nations, is beyond comprehension. The Commissars who control the destinies of Russia at. the present moment, have before them, within their own borders, a task big enough to tax their ingenuity and energies to the utmost, but in spite of their protestations of peaceable intentions, it has been shown on various occasions that Bolshevistic propaganda has been carried on in the East against British interests. It is difficult to see what the Bolsheviks hope to gain by these exploits, because it is impossible to believe that they thought Britain would accept without protest underground attacks along the lines of the ancient Russian policy. Doubtless we will be treated to some Russian statements alleging secret efforts by Britain to overthrow the Bolshevist Government, but as far as it is possible to see Britain of the great Powers has been the most eager to “bury the hatchet” and resume normal relations. Britain’s trade with Russia, though but of a fraction of what it was in the pre-war days, has been considerable, but it would appear that the Russian Government has been unable to keep to its side of the trade agreements. The seizure of the British trawlers outside of the threemile limit must be regarded as a serious point, but it seems clear that the Note is the outcome of an accumulation of truculencies and sheer meddlesomeness.