The Waikato Times. With which is incorporated The Waikato Argus. MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1926. A MISTRUSTED NATION.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16748, 15 March 1926, Page 4

The Waikato Times. With which is incorporated The Waikato Argus. MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1926. A MISTRUSTED NATION.

The Belgian Chamber has consid- , ered the question of resuming trade relations with Russia, but has decided that " such is impossible while the Soviets do not observe the basic element of good faith iri their dealings." This is a somewhat strong pronouncement, but who can say it is. not justified? The experience of several countries lias certainly gone to prove its truth. It is significant that Belgium draws a distinction between people and rulers. It is impossible to indict a whole nation; it is possible to so indict a small group of men who have seized power and cannot be the representatives of the people as a whole, for it has not been demonstrated that they rule by the will or the consent of any considerable number of the Russian people, and as an American Minister some time ago declared, "it is not possible to recognise these rulers as a Government with which relations common to a friendly Power can be maintained." It is no concern of other countries as to what form of Government the Russian people may choose to adopt—that is a matter for the Russians themselves; but outsiders arc concerned as to the integrity of that Government, and if it proves itself untrustworthy ihey are perfectly justified in refusing to have any dealings therewith. Every country has a right to choose its form oi government and recognition is usually granted once a Government ' iias proved that it can function. It i.'-b;; be said that the Soviet Government is doing that in Russia, but, j.pparcntly there is one standard for internal and another for external affairs. The responsible leaders of Llic Russian regime have frequently and openly boasted that they arc willing to sign agreements and undertakings witli foreign Powers, while not having the slightest intention of observing such undertakings or carrying out such agreements.- Events in Europe have provided ample proof tiiat the existence of Bolshevism in Russia and the maintenance of the present regime depend, and must continue to depend, upon the occurrence of revolutions in all the other great civilised countries, which will overthrow and destroy their Governments and set up Bolshevist rule in their slcad. This has been openly and repeatedly avowed by the Soviet leaders, anil no secret lias been made of their intention to engineer and foster revolution in every country. Obviously, one of the most effective ways of securing a fooling in foreign territory is to have an Embassy or Legation in the capital, protected by all the extra-territorial rights accorded diplomatic representatives. A sense of honour prevents the nations from using these privileges for any purpose contrary to I he well-being of the country granting them, but this is not the case with I he Bolshevik representative. Some countries in Europe accepted Iho Bolsheviks' undertaking to refrain from anything in the nature of propaganda if recognition were granted, but subsequent events showed that while the Soviet representative might honour the undertaking in Hie letter lie . could nevertheless accord the Third Intcruational, a body to which most of ' the preparation for the reign of revolution can be traced, ample opportu- '. nity to carry on its work under Iho cloak of diplomatic protection. It is i recognised that (he Bolshevist Government is itself subject lo the control of a political faction with exlen- • she, international ramifications ' through Iho Third International, ' which *s heavily subsidised by the ! J Bolshevik Government, and which lias ( ,

for its openly avowed alms the promotion of Bolshevist revolutions throughout the world. Leaders of the Bolshevists have openly declared that their promise of non-interference with other nations in no wise binds the agents of this body. And so not unnaturally Belgium has decided that it is dangerous to have anything to do with Moscow. Honour and good faith arc the basis of international law; it is as essential to the harmonious relations of nations 'as of individuals, and even the recantation on the part of those who have openly boasted of their had faith would need the more impressive endorsement of deeds. Belgium has endorsed the, terms of an American Note which declared: "We cannot recognise, hold official relations with, or give friendly reception to, the agents of a Government which is determined and bound to conspire against our institutions, whose diplomats will be the agitators of dangerous revolts, whose spokesmen say that they sign agreements with no intention of keeping them."