The Star. MONDAY, MAY 14, 1923. THE TENSION BETWEEN BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17040, 14 May 1923, Page 6

The Star. MONDAY, MAY 14, 1923. THE TENSION BETWEEN BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

The exchange of views and Notes between the British Government and the Soviet reveals that there is a very serious difference between the two Governments. Britain has never been friendly with Soviet Russia, and is not likely ever to become cordial. The establishment of the Soviet regime was actively opposed by the Coalition Government, which supplied the various anti-Soviet leaders with arms and ammunition, and even with military assistance. The Soviet, however, succeeded in suppressing all opposition, and it is now the de facto Government of Russia, without a serious rival. The position has been accepted by Britain and other Ppwers under protest, and various trade agreements have been made with the Soviet. The making of a trade agreement between Britain and Russia was bitterly criticised as “ shaking hands with murder,” but there was a strong feeling that Britain should not indefinitely ignore the existence of concrete facts. The outstanding fact was that the Soviet was established, and that •it was willing to trade on terms acceptable to Britain. The whole weight of public opinion in Britain was against the continuance of active hostilities, the sound view being taken that the Russian people must be left alone to work out their own salvation.

The Soviet, though it entered into an agreement which was virtually a treaty of peace with Britain, has not honoured the spirit of the pact. Relations have been difficult., and it is a peculiar fact that on every possible occasion the Soviet lias sided with Britain’s enemies, notably Germany and Turkey. This open antagonism, has been accompanied by many pin-pricking acts which have served to irritate the British Foreign Office. Bolshevik propaganda within British spheres of influence in the Middle East has been openly carried on. British subjects in Russia have been imprisoned, persecuted, or murdered, and British trawlers in the northern seas have been seized on an allegation that they trespassed on territorial waters. The British protest against the sentences on Zeplia.k and Budkevitch was scornfully treated. Many of these hostile acts were apparently meaningless, but they indicated that the Soviet was conniving at a course of action which was intensely offensive to Britain. It is not likely that there will be a recourse to war between Russia and Britain. The sharp remonstrance which Ford Curzon sent to the Soviet may have a salutary effect, and bring the leaders to their senses. If it is Russia’s design to avoid a rupture of relations the way out is not a difficult one, and may be described as “ fair play and honest and honourable treatment for Britain.” There is not the faintest desire in Britain for another war, but Britain is not disposed to submit passively to provocative assaults. The cancellation of the trade agreement for a time would probably bring the Soviet “ Reds ” to their senses.