TRADE WITH RUSSIA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16762, 11 June 1920, Page 3

TRADE WITH RUSSIA.

ALMOST INSOLUBLE PROBLEMS. OWING TO STATE OP COUNTRY, By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received uJno 11, 8.40 a.m.) LONDON, June 9. The following illuminates the almost insuperable difficulties surrounding the question of trade with Russia. It appears that the Supreme Economic Council, which is meeting in Paris, has not agreed as regards Bolshevik guarantees. It transpired in this regard that tho British were disposed to accept any guarantees offered, also assurances respecting tho existence of Russian goods; the French, however, were sceptical, and pointed out that 'the Soviet Republic is a federation of States hence there is no proof that' tho goods sent from one State will not be seized by another in transit. Hitherto the Bolshevists have been unable to give guarantees against the chaos prevailing in Russia. Moreover, the council wants an assurance that neither ships _or cargoes will bo seized upon reaching Russian ports. Tho Krassin mission has already proved its inability to find a trade base in the exchange system, also ft is doubtful whether the groups of Russian States will recognise Krassin as a mandatory. Krassin is the only cultured man of tho mission, the others are of inferior social status. The mission is accompanied by a score of experts, who are not Bolshevists, but are mostly officials of the old regime who _ have been obliged to servo the Bolshevik administration in order to get a living.— Reuter.