RUSSIA IN THE FAR EAST

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1924, Page 4

RUSSIA IN THE FAR EAST

(Sydney Herald). Although the Soviet affects an utter indifference to the opinion of other countries, and bus sought, as far as subsidised propaganda could c-oinpass it, to overthrow their Governments, it has been very anxious, to obtain their de jure recognition. Scarcely had the various “White” adventures spent their force and died away than the Soviet began to plead with the Western Powers, cajole them, threaten them, and bluster at them, to tho end that it might secure their official admission of its existence*. One .moment its tone was that of a truculent ' swashbuckler, another, that of a whining suppliant, and those frequent changes did not help its cause. At several conferences hold in the regime of Mr Lloyd George, the question of tho recognition of Russia was discussed; but the Allies invariably insisted upon two conditions. One was that the Soviet should in form acknowledge Russia’s foreign debt, even though there was no immediate possibility of liquidation. The second was that it should compensate Allied nationals for property in Russia that had been confiscated by the Bolsheviks and should safeguard their lights for the future. The Soviet would give no assurance on the latter count, and would only agree to admit the other liability if against it were set-off the damage caused by the “White” armies —the amount to he assessed by tho Soviet! Naturally the negotiations fed through, and. as far as the Allies were concerned, Russia remained officially outside the pale. Bv degrees trade relations were resumed between Russia and the majority of the Allies. But these were not very lucrative, and did not satisfy the Soviet. It desired the cachet of respectability implied hv full recognition. As long as this was withheld. it meant that Russia stood in the eyes of tlie West on a. lower footing than Liberia or the most insignificant Latin-Aineric.au republic. ,

This was the position when the Labour Government assumed office in Britain early in the year. It granted the coveted recognition, but upon terms which must have diminished its value in the eves of the Soviet. Ihe latter was told plainly that continued recognition was subject to good behaviour. And although Britain relented, Russia has been less successful in other quarters. Frame, who is owed some four thousand million francs by Russia (exclusive of arrears of interest), is still

adamant. America, to whom Russia, is also indebted or a very large sum. lias vet another reason for keeping Lus.-ia at arm’s length. She has a deep distrust of what is known in the United States as “radicalism.” Britain tolerates propaganda. Communist oratory is quite a feature of the Sunday entertainment provided in the ne.blir parks in England ; it is considered to be a safety-valve. But America lias firnilv suppressed activities of that kind; “Radicals” have been subjected to various pains and penalties, ami now it would be lather inconsistent to recognise Russia, the fountain-head if Communistic teachings. So. anion*' the Western Rowers, with the exception of Britain and Germany. Russia has bad to lie content with the resumption of trade relations, a somewhat barren cnneessioii. BafileiLin toe West. Russia has turned to the East, where her efforts promise to lie more fruitful. Until quite recently the relations between Russia and Japan were

anviliing but cordial. I lie menioi\ of tbe so-called “massacre” of Blngnvcsh eheuk. the exact truth about which is exceedingly ilillicult to ascertain, rankled. Collisions between Reds and Japanese troops in Manchuria "ere not uiicnmmou, and Japan, too. lias a Russian debt which lias been repudiated. Hut lately negotiations lor the recognition by Japan seemed on the point of succeeding when the Soviet authorities arrested a uumltcr of da panose officers at \ ladivostoek oti a (haige of cr.niun.igc. At once Japanese opinion was no in arms. I here officers have since been released, and that obstacle to recognition lias been removed. But. meanwhile, a new factor has entered into the situation, which may conceivably prevent Japan from modifying her attitude toward-: the Soviet. That is the Russian policy in China, which threatens to undermine Japanese a-cendancy in the Far East. In it?: dealings with China. Soviet Russia, which was every

whit as aggressive as CzarLt Russia, has suddenly changed its tune, and heroine very conciliatory. Tbe bone el enulcitifnu was Mongoli;*. parlieuhirly tbo lingo section of it known as Outer Mongolia, which marches on Centr.d Asia. The Mniicliu dynasty exercised but a loose control over it. and during the Chinese revolution of 11112 Outer Mongolia declared its indepeudeti'-c and installed llial strange individual, the Living Buddha ns Enineror. The Russian Government supported -the movement, financed the new Slate, and contracted several treaties with ii. in which, in return for concessions. Russia undertook to maintain its .sovereignty. The (soviet continued the policy of penetration initiated by its predecessor, constituted itself protector ni Outer .Mongolin, and stationed trnup* there. Though nominally autonomous. Outer Mongolia was. to all intents and purposes. Russian. Tn 1921 the i <>:uitry was the .scene of bitter lighting between Baron Cngeni and the Red*-, the former of whom was defeated and nut to death. The Red garrison remained, and China was powerless t enforce her authority. But now. according to a draft agreement which i* to he submitted to the respective Governments. Russia, subject to her ofii- I eial recognition by China, will recognise the absolute sovereignly of China over Outer Mongolia, will withdraw all Russian troops from there, and will cancel her share of the Boxer indemnity and various concessions wh'c’ii have been extorted from China at v irions times. There is said to have been a bitch in the ratification of tbe agreement. but as tlie nfl’er crimes from Russia. and ns the terms are so favourable to China, it will probably be signed. I Japan views this new development with misgivings. That Russia sliottl! wield a paramount influence in ('hint would not in the least suit Japan's book, and Japanese officials admit that if it were employed to bring .pressure to bear upon .Japan in certain directions it would be u serious embarrassment to her.