The Daily News SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1924. BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1924, Page 4

The Daily News SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1924. BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

While it would not be wise to entertain undue confidence in regard to the Russian Soviet Government. being converted to sane and reliable methods in connection with international relations, there appear to be indications of a genuine desire in that quarter to turn over a new leaf and once again set that great country on its feet. The complete failure of the Soviet’s numerous experiments and drastic ordinances lias been plainly evidenced, the result having brought the once powerful and opulent nation to the brink of ruin. Apparently, the time has arrived when the Soviet rulers have come to see the error of their ways, their fantastic dream of Sovietising the world having vanished like the mists at sunrise. It would certainly have been most deplorable and disappointing if those in authority had not profitted by the bitter lessons of the past, so that it may be assumed that the desire for the rehabilitation of thencountry is a reality and not a sham. If, therefore, they expect help from other nations, they must put their house in order, and be prepared to offer such effective guarantees as may be reasonably required. The view which British and other statesmen have held since the downfall of Czardom has always been that the Russians must work out their own salvation, but that until that country had a rational, stable and orderly Government, there could be no real peace in Europe. It so happens that the move for the recognition of the Russian Government by Britain and the resumption of trade relations between the two countries, coincides with a hopeful move to settle outstanding troubles between Germany and the Allies, and there are indications that this international healing process will be supported and fostered by the United States. If, as is sincerely hoped, these two vital movements are brought to fruition the civilised world will be able to breathe more freely and look forward to a new era of peace and prosperity. There is no insurmountable obstacle in the way of both projects bearing the right kind of fruit, provided the solution of the various problems involved are attempted in a spirit of conciliation and a determination to achieve the desired end. The chief desideration is absolute sincerity on all sides and the absence of mental reservations. There is much force in the contention of M. Rakovsky, who heads the Russian delegation to Britain, that the reorganisation of Europe can only be stable, if it it. based on the will arid aspirations of the peoples and national independence, and it is well that he agrees with the British view that mutual nonintervention in internal affairs is an indispensable condition for the creation of mutual confidence. The British Premier has, rightly we think, stressed the fact that the first essential to friendly .

and profitable relations is that Russia should desist from countenancing, directly or indirectly,anything in the nature of an attempt to issue propaganda among Britons, either at home or abroad. The next essential is absolute good faith in honouring to the last.letter any contractual agreements relating to trade or other matters. If the Russians treat the British justly in all matters, they will certainly receive a full measure of British justice in return. Russia must fully recognise her ddbts, both pre-war and post-war, but, in asking for a revision of the Versailles Treaty, and the treaties connected therewith, she is making a demand that not only contravenes her own stipulated policy of noninterference, but one that opens up a most controversal subject, besides striking a blow at the sanctity of international pledges. What guarantees will suffice to tempt capitalists to subscribe to loans for rehabilitation? This is one of the most difficult of the problems facing the British Government and America, the more so by reason of Russia’s low ebb of morality and the shocking crusade against religion and its upholders. Though these and other factors may not affect the questions of recognition and trade, they certainly call for special guarantees of good faith and reform. It is, therefore, the duty of the British Government to insist on proper safeguards for all classes and ereeds before admitting Russia to friendly relations and giving her assistance to set her house in order.