RUSSIAN RELATIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17886, 5 December 1929, Page 5

RUSSIAN RELATIONS.

A DEBATE IN THE LORDS.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.

QUESTION OF PROPAGANDA.

(Official wireless.)

(Received Dec. 5, 11.45 a.m.) . RUGBY, Dec. 4. The resumption of diplomatic relations with Russia was the subject of a debate in the House of Lords. .It was initiated by Lord Birkenhead, who ■called attention to the recent Soviet revolutionary propaganda, and invited a statement of policy of the Government. He moved a resolution to the effect that the resumption of relations at present was undesirable. Lord Thomson, Secretary for Air, in replying, said the policy of the Government was to resume normal diplomatic relations with Russia with the least possible delay, and at the same time to safeguard British interests not only in this country but throughout the world. The Government hoped to contribute to the maintenance of world peace, and to expand British trade. It was the Government’s view that relations with the Soviet Government should never have been broken off. The policy of refusing relations because they could not accept the promises of tlie Soviet Government was a policy of despair. It would mean that the present slate of affairs would continue indefinitely. Ambassadors had not yet been exchanged and the pledge regarding propaganda had not vet been given. The Government had not renounced, and would not renounce Its right to take any measure It might think necessary to check foreign subversive propaganda from whatever source It might emanate. Lord Brentford asked whether, in face of that declaration, if propaganda continued either in Britain or in the Empire, instigated by the Russian Government, their envoy would be sent out again? Lord Thomson replied: If it is instigated by the Russian Government, most certannly. Lord Birkenhead: Including the Third Internationa] ? Lord Thomson: Yes.

Continuing, Lord Thomson said he did not want to leave the impression that propaganda would cease as if by magic. It could not in the nature of things, with a body like the Third International. Regarding the argument that relations should not be resumed with a country where atrocities ar.d executions had taken place, he said the Government did not condone the atrocities and regretted the executions, but they believed that the resumption of relations with Russia would tend to diminish the system of executions and atrocities which still prevailed there. He added : “ We believe that it is in the best interests of our country to resume relations. We believe that H is absolutely indispensable for the general peace of the world, and that is the reason why the Government is undertaking its present policy. Lord Reading (Liberal) approved the Government’s policy as sound and wise and in the interests of real security for universal peace. He would have preferred to sec an agreement defliiilely setting down the terms of the relations that were to exist before the exchange of Ambassadors, but he horec. that when the conditions were laid down they would be as definite and precise as possible. The Archbishop of Canterbury drew attention !o the attitude of the S «viet Government towards Christianity and all forms of religion, but he had received Information that there was now a cessation of the more flagrant violations of the elementary principles of justice. He believed there

would be a groator chance of securing some allovlatlon of the difficult position of the religious people In Russia If representations oould be made through ordinary diplomatic means to the soviet Government.