RUSSIA.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16853, 5 June 1920, Page 9

RUSSIA.

TRADE MISSION ATTACKED,

(by Cable—Press Association—Copyright.) lUnitcd Service.) LONDON", June 3. Latest reports indicate that the Bolshevik mission is inspiring increasing caution and criticism. While Krassin himself is conscious of the changing atmosphere, he is desperately anxious to "pull off something practical."'

'The Times" continues its slashing attacks, shaiing France's hostility to the Bolslieviks, and states that the qucsion of the expediency, and even of the morality, of intercourse with tho B-lsheviks is dividing official circles. It is believed that Mr K. F. Wise, C.l>., B.itish member of the Permanent Committee of the Economic Council, and formerly second secretary to the Food Ministry, is one of tho chief advocates of the Bolshevik cause, whilo the Foreign Offico and other departments regird the negotiations with disapproval and misgiving. Unanimity prevails on one point only —tho impossibility of touching Bolshevik sold.

It is also doubted ■whether goods sent by way of barter from Russia would not be liable to seizure to satisfy British and other creditors of Russia.

A Bolshevik scoretary or supervisor constantly shadows Krassin. who talks tho Marxist jargon, and shows an almost fatuous optimism in officially estimating Russia's available exports. He hints that Russia's debts might be discussed, but carefully disavows the obligations of the Bolsheviks under international Lvw.

It is possible that tho Allies will ultimately send a cammission to test Krassin's assurances, and to investigate the ownership of tho exportable commodities.

•'Tup Times'' has reproduced the test iof a remarkable memoir, in \vh-~-L r> membe-r of the Soviet "Council of Economy 1 ' reveals tho increasing <ie- ; eline of Russian industry, and the j paralysis of her transport. He shows ! that tho Bolshevik ambitions are uni changed, and glorifies the attempts to j bribe the Polish army. There was simi'er bribery in connexion with the defeat, of Admiral Ko'ltehak j and General Drniirin, in which ! 150,000,003 gold roubles (about £17,000,j COO at the pre-war rate of exchange) were spent. THE POLISH CAMPAIGN". (Renter's Telegrams..) WRjAW, June 2. The Bolshevik offensive is breaking i down before the fierce resistance. The | Bolsheviks who crossed tho Bcrosina . south of Borisoff, havo been dispersed, j The Bolsheviks not only failed to rei capture Kiefr, but after violent figlit- : ing on the left of the Dnieper, were ' severely defeated. Their attacks on the ; Dniester havo also been repulsed.