FRANCE AND RUSSIA.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18218, 31 October 1924, Page 13

FRANCE AND RUSSIA.

(bt cable—wmsss association— coptkight) (reutee's telegkams.)

PARIS, October 29.

While the Left newspapers applaud the recognition of Hussia, tho Opposition accepts the fact with resignation, and derives comfort from the belief that real recognition will ho possible only after the Franeo-Eussian conference, presumably in January, has settled outstanding questions, especially debts. The Opposition declares tha.t tlio Anglo-Soviet negotiations typify the difficulties ahead.

The "Figaro" voices the extremist view, declaring that France is a vanquished State in the C3 r es of Moscow. Under the shelter of tho Bed flag and the cover of diplomatic immunity, a few hundred determined knaves will establish a revolutionary propaganda centre.

The French Note to Russia, conveying recognition, stipulates that recognition Trill in no way infringe any undertaking enlered into by France, and also expressly reserves the rights of the French Government and citizens respecting obligations of former Russian regimes, and finally insists on mutual non-intcrference in each other's internal affairs.

The Soviet Government's reply expresses the hopo that all questions mentioned in the French Note will be satisfactorily settled in forthcoming negotiations, and welcomes the French declaration regarding internal noninterference.

("THE TIMS.") LONDON, October 29,

The Paris correspondent of "The Times." commenting on Franco's de jure recognition of Soviet Russia, says: "The general view is that recognition is merely a formal step intended to hasten the discussion of the real question, which is whether the Soviet Government means to pay its debts."