The Wanganui Chronicle TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1927. RUSSIA’S HYPOCRISY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19866, 14 June 1927, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1927. RUSSIA’S HYPOCRISY

In its encouragement of the Chinese against Britain and the other Western Powers and in its repeated attempts to stir up rebellion in India, the Russian Soviet has constantly insisted upon the principle of self-determination. In its backing of Turkey and Persia a few years back and when stirring up Afghanistan against Britain, its chief argument was likewise the right of every country to rule itself without foreign interference. But when Russia’s own interests are concerned, the principle of self-determination is thrown to the winds. In such cases, Russia approves of foreign interference —provided, of course, it is her own. The little Baltic States live in fear and trembling of their powerful neighbour, never knowing the day when they may be overwhelmed. Poland is marked out for incorporation once again within the Russian domain. Roumania knows that, if opportunity presents itself,' she will be shorn of her border districts and Czeeho-Slovakia is in the same situation. A certain amount of unity of purpose prevails among all these states, which would lead them to spring to each other’s aid and they have also the moral and material backing of France, and these are the chief factors which hold Russia in check. Otherwise, self-determination, so far as Russia is eoncerhed, would not operate in their favour for a single day. Russia reserves that argument for those who are quarrelling with other people. But, to those who are quarrelling with herself, she does not admit its application for a moment. In passing, it may be mentioned that one deplorable result upon these little states is that large loan monies which might be expended in works of peaceful development have to be spent on armies and an. aments for their own protection. Thus does Russia encourage militarism among people who would be glad enough to do without it.