BRITAIN AND RUSSIA

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1927, Page 3

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA

AN' OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

(Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON, l''eb. 24. Despite outbursts of a section of the press against the niillv and uatci character Britain’s note to Russia, official circles scout suggestions that it will quickly be followed by more peremptory demands ending inevitably in a breach of diplomatic relations. Bellinformed persons declare one must revert v to events following Lord Curzon’s stronger protest in 1923, for true interpretations of the present note. C'urzon’s note was much more strongly worded, and almost an ultimatum, ft produced a tense situation temporarily, but when means were found to continue relations it was agreed ythnt henceforth either Government, if it felt aggrieved towards the other • would inform it of the positio’o quickly and not wait for an accumulation <>l complaints to lead to another virtual ultimatum. In other words the present Note is a pre-statement of a list of our complaints sent in a friendly spirit by virtue of the 1923 agreement. It- gives the Soviet a chance to modify its conduct before any stronger act is adopted by Britain. There is no allusion that it will result in the Soviet seriously amending its ways, but the mildness of the new Note is bold to be justified as exemplifying the British patience. In the meantime, the authorities point out that' the Soviet’s anti-British propaganda has spent itself out successively in Turkey, Persia, Mesopotamia, India and Poland, ultimately failing everywhere. At present it has caused a very awkward problem in China, but here also there is every reason, to believe it will fail in the long run. v. FRENCH APPROVAL. PARIS, Fob. 24. The newspapers approve of Britain’s vote, though they doubt whether it will achieve its object. The “Gaulois” raises Britain’s act of exemplary courage. The note marks a reaction against a long series of blunders which Britain started by recognising the Soviet. It is a warning to France. “Le Matin” states the note only falls short of being an ultimatum through refraining from fixing a time limit, but the Soviet will continue to play a two faced game. The British bulldog might as well bark at the man. “Loouvre” wonders bow far Britain intends to carry out the threats and what she will gain in any case.