RUSSIA AND THE ALLIES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 48, Issue 14608, 6 March 1922, Page 4

RUSSIA AND THE ALLIES.

There are indications that the da} is not far distant when diplomatic relations will be restored as far as all the Allies and Russia are concerned. Events point to Russia adopting a more reasonable attitude towards the Allies, and the latter being*prepared to give attention to the Russian viewpoint. As far as Britain is concerned, friendship with Russia should be cultivated if it is desired to put into operation the aim of the late King Edward, viz., an alliance between Britain, France and Russia to maintain the peace of the world. These three nations fought on the same side in the recent great war, and Russia made tremendous sacrifices in the cause of the Allies. This fact "should not be lost sight of by either Britain or France and allowance should be made in connection with any altered attitude which Russia may seem to adopt to-day. There is no possible chance, for the time being, of altering the system of government in Russia. The latter has successfully withstood all the Allied attempts—certainly only half-hearted efforts—to change the method of government. Therefore, as Russia appears to be holding out the olive branch it is the duty of Britain and France to adopt a friendly attitude towards their erstwhile ally.. The system of government in. Russia is not that which appeals to either Britain or France _it is anti-democratic, anti-lab-our, and founded on the German system —but it is the only form of Russian rule which has fcto'od the test of the last few vears. However much Britain and France may dislike this .Government, they must enter into official negotiations with it or run the risk, of seeing Russia and Germany linking up, and producing a menace to the peace of Euuropc. Should such an alliance take place the Allies would be. helpless as far as the terms of the Peace. Treaty are mneerne I, because they could not prevent Russia manufacturing war munitions or training hundreds of thousands of soldiers. Therein lies the danger to the Allies, and more particularly to France. Britain and France would find it a difficult matter to cope successfully in war with a Russo-Ger-man combination, especially as Germany would .effectively train, the millions of Russian soldiers available. The Allied alternative is to cultivate Russian friendship, and this can be accomplished without the, loss of much Allied dignity.