TRADEWITHRUSSIA

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 49, 22 November 1920, Page 5

TRADEWITHRUSSIA

MINGLED FEELINGS IN ENGLAND OPPOSITION TO POLITICAL RECOGNITION By Teleffraph-.Preo« Asßoolatton-OopyrlfM (Bee. November 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 19. Tho Prime Minister's announcement respecting the impending resumption of trade with the Soviet has been, received with mingled feelings. It is regarded as inevitable that it will lead to the political recognition which tho Soviet is ardently seeking, and against which feeling is still strong. Nevertheless there is a disposition to suspend judgment uutil tho terms of tho trading arrangements are published, though thero is a widespread feeling that a sine qua non of any agreemont is that the Hunsians must recognise their liability for loans raised in Britain and Franco before tho war, amounting to 500 millions for municipal and 1000 millions for railway purposes. This is independent of 500 millions which Britain sent to Russia for war materials, the recovery of which is not considered hopeful. It is understood that tho new arrangement will provide for a system of credits to facilitate thn oxport of goods to Russia and to secure aupplies. As to goods from Russia, the alluring reports of accumulated stocks are regarded with scepticism. It is doubtful if (here is anything substantial beyond n large holding of gold, all of which was stolen, and some adulterated.—Reuter.

OFFICIAL OPINION _AT WASHINGTON VIRTUAL RECOGNITION OF RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT. (Rec. November 22, 0.10 a.m.) Washington, November 20. State Department officials consider that the proposed trade agreement between Russia arid Britain is a virtual de facto recognition of tho Russian Government. The basis of this opinion is Britain's grant of diplomatic immunity to Russian agents in England, with tho right of. passport vise—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Q