LATEST CABLE NEWS BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1923, Page 2

LATEST CABLE NEWS BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

THE RUSSIAN REPLY. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, May 23. M. Ivrnssin handed to Lord Curzon his Government’s reply to the British Note. The reply says that the Russian Government notes with satisfaction tho fact that the British people clearly revealed their will for the maintenance of peace ami tho prevention of a break with Russia. The extension of the time limit of the ultimatum gives hope that there is still a possibility of reaching an agreement, thus avoiding the consequences of a break which would follow the English memorandum. The consequences to general peace which might arise from the break between England and Russia are causing the Russian Government serious apprehension and a great danger would threaten the preservation of peace and humanity would, as a result, be threatened with countless calamities. Serious damage was also done to the equilibrium of political relations, and the basis created for aggressive aims of tho militarist elements in most countries, even independently of tho will of the British Government. Therefore being unwilling to give anybody grounds for placing even the smallest degree of responsibility for the possibility of such results upon the Soviet, the latter is prepared to make new concessons. Russia is ready, on the question of fishing rights, to conclude a convention forthwith granting English citizes the right of fishing outside the three mile limit, pending a settlement on the question by an international conference, and to pay compensation in 11 10 cases at issue. ’Hie Russian Government is ready to pay compensation for the execution of Davison and the arrest of Mrs Harding, with tho ieservation that this willingness does not signify that the Soviet recognises there was any' irregularity in the lepressivo measures it took against these spies, because their crimes had been proved definitely by duo legal process, and measures against them were taken before the conclusion of the Trade Agreement. Their claims can in no way he regarded as a condition for maintaining the arrangement. he Government is willing to take back the letters signed by 'Weinstein. As to the question of observing the \ Agreement in tho East, the Russian Government again repels the charge of infringement. The only way of settling the conflict and preventing future recrimination, and of co-ordinating the different viewpoints, is hv discussion by specially delegated representatives from both countries. Russia is ready to confirm undertakings given in the agiccment provided Britain makes friendly representations, as to what it legal s as infringement of cases, these will be carefully investigated, and the necessary measures taken. This, of com so. is oil the basis of reciprocity. Should the British Government ho ready to consider the points at issue, the Soviet is agreeable to delegate, at once, MTchitcherin to meet the British reptesentative.