EXTREMELY GRAVE STEP.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2027, 13 August 1920, Page 7

EXTREMELY GRAVE STEP.

WHAT THE DECISION MEANS. SPOKE IN WHEELS OF PEACE, (A. & N.Z.) LONDON, Aug. 11. France’s decision to recognise General Wrangcl is regarded in most quarters as an extremely grave step. In fact, some quarters are more or less suspicious of France’s attitude towards Russia. It is believed that the decision was deliberate, and made as a retort to Mr Lloyd George’s speech in the House of Commons last night. The French communique announcing the decision stated that the Government was impressed by' General Wrangcl’s military successes and increasing strength, also by the favourable reports from South Russia respecting the democratic character of his administration, and finally by his assurances regarding Russia’s external obligations. This last phrase is interpreted to mean that General Wrangel has undertaken to do his utmost to discharge Russia’s debt, in which France is so largely interested. Radical and Labour circles declare that France has chosen the opening of the Russo-Polish negotiations at Minsk for an attempt to put a spoke into the wheels of peace, and that France is determined to use Genera! Wrangcl in an effort to achieve what the Poles have failed to do, France’s main concern being the repayment of the French holders of Russian bonds.

Radical and Labour circles also call attention to President Wilson's pronouncement on Russian policy, which also coincides with the attempt to conclude a Russo-Polish peace.

The newspaper "Star," voicing this view, emphasises the phrase in the French Government's communique, that the French commercial attache in London had heen instructed not to enter into relations with Kamenelf and Krassin. It also emphasises that the French Foreign OHice is of opinion that General Wrangel is the most competent anti-Bolshevik leader who has yet appeared in Russia, and he is inducing the Gossacks to Bunt- the Bolsheviks. As President Wilson announces to-day, it is impossible to recognise the present rulers of Hifssia and the principles of Bolshevism, which are utterly repugnant to international moral sense. Radical and Labour circles sec in the French decision a new orientation of French policy toward America, and hold that the Entente is now split into two camps—France and America against Qreat Britain and Italy. A Deliberate Act, The question is being, asked, how much Mr Lloyd George knew of .the

French decision when he spoke in I the House of Commons last night. The French communique states that France notified Mr Lloyd George yesterday, but it is pointed out that Mr Lloyd George repeatedly emphasised that he was reporting the decisions of the Lympne Conference. Attention is drawn to a phrase in his speech, namely, that "if we had really wished to support General Wrangel we could have clone so much more effectively. We have not done so because we were anxious to secure peace." Seeing that Mr Lloyd George emphasised that the question of supporting General Wrangel would only arise if the Bolsheviks attempted to destroy Polish freedom, the "Star" takes the view that France deliberately precipitated a crisis in order to remedy her failure at the Lympne Conference. The "Star" suggests that the French decision accounts for the supposed hitch in the Russo-Polish negotiations. The latest advices from the Polish Government state that it has not received a reply to the Note announcing its willingness to meet the Bolsheviks at Minsk. This may mean that Russia has resolved to clear a way for dealing with General Wrangel, and wishes to capture Warsaw before diverting troops to South Russia.

Recent reports from South Russia state some of the best Russian divisions have been hurriedly withdrawn from the Polish front, and sent southward over the dilapidated railways. Position of the Bolsheviks. The entire country between the Dniepr and the Don, and around the Sea of Azoff, and thence to the Caucasus, is seething with discontent at the Bolshevik regime. Several large risings have occurred, especially in the provinces of Kuban and Don, where the Bolsheviks haye never really held control, because they have been forced to withdraw troops to resist the Polish advance. The approaching close of the harvest season in South Russia is a great danger for the Bolsheviks, who fear large additions to General Wrangel's forces. General Wrangel has reached Mariupol, on the Sea of Azoff, and Alexandrovsk, on the Dniepr, and hopes soon to reach the country of the Don Cossacks. '.

The "Daily Telegraph" states that Bolshevik power in Persia is waning, ami is also threatened by the Tartars in Azerbaijan. General Wrangel's Government, in announcing jts sympathy with Democratic rule in Russia, states that its policy is:— (1) The free right of the Russian neople to choose their own stable Government; (2) The inviolability of all Russian citizens, regardless of their origin or religion; (3) The distribution of lands to the actual cultivators; (4) Protection of workers' profes sional organisations;, (5) The union of all parties; (C) The restoration of Russian industries;

(7) The recognition of all international obligations, arid the payment of Russian debts. The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, commenting on the Bolshevik terms respecting Poland, considers they are only the first step. The Bolsheviks' real intentions will soon be disclosed, arl*d will reveal far harder conditions of peace. Dramatic and Suggestive.

As regards President Wilson's attitude towards Russia, the "Daily Telegraph" states that there has been no divergence from Great Britain, as the British proposal to meet the Soviet delegates in London -was not meant as a recognition of the Bolshevik Government. It was intended that recognition should only follow if the Bolsheviks proved their good faith, and their intention to conform to the usages of civilised Governments, notably in the discharge of their' debt to France. As regards Genera] Wrangel, it lias been known for some time that Fiance was willing to recognise him if he acknowledged Russia's debts. This assurance has been given, and French recognition of him is therefore practically automatic. At the same time, this choice yesterday, immediately after President Wilson's refusal to recognise the Soviet, was dramatic, and, perhaps, suggestive. Organised Labour's Council of Action has written to Mr Lloyd George, acknowledging his declaration that the Government would not proceed to support General Wrangel in the present circumstances, but adds that the Labour movement is convinced regarding the imperative necessity for peace with Russia. Peace should be made forthwith, and proper relationships established. The council invites the Prime Minister to announce the conditions which, in the opinion of the Government, are necessary for peace, to enable the National Labour Conference, on August 15, to consider them. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" states that the French General Confederation of Labour passed a resolution denouncing war with Russia, and summoning the workers to refuse to handle material destined for use against Russia.

Correspondents with General Wrangel are optimistic in their dispatches regarding his successes and prospects. A Constantinople message announces that General Wrangel has effected a junction -with the Don Cossacks.