BOLSHEVIK INSOLENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1920, Page 4

BOLSHEVIK INSOLENCE.

The abusive Note sent by the Bolshevik authorities to Britain is couched iu language that is eminently characteristic of Soviet methods, especially at times when success has been achieved by the Red armies. Germany gave several object lessons in this direction during the war, and Tehitcherin has not been slow as an imitator. Britain's excessive patience and forbearance in dealing with the Bolsheviks have emboldened these Red Terrorists to try and pull the lion's tail, hence the insolent demand for a definite answer as to whether Britain intends to negotiate with the Soviet deputies in London for trade and peace. It is considered the Note means that Lenin is no longer desirous of peace, and his recent boast of what the Bolsheviks mew to accomplish in Persia, India, and other parts of the world justify this view. The British Government is not likely to bo seriously perturbed by this latest tirade of Soviet spleen, which characterises the efforts of Britain to promote peace as "all kinds of insulting proposals." Lenin may lay the flattering unction to his soul that he, and not the ex-Kaiser, is to sway the destinies of the nations of the world, but Tie most, he can do is to delay peace and hinder the rehabilitation of Russia, besides deferring the settlement of Poland. The problem is not easy of solution, as resort to armed force is out of the question. At the same time it is incumbent on Britain not to mince matters, but to plainly indicate to the Soviet authorities that insolence will not further an amicable understanding between the two countries, and definitely insisting on a satisfactory settlement as regards Poland before negotiations for peace and the resumption of trade relations are made. It is a world-wide calamity that Russia is controlled by such a coterie of firebrands.