The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1929. THE SOVIET PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1929. THE SOVIET PROBLEM.

One of the most difficult problems of the British Foreign Policy in which tue MacDonald Labour Government will bo called upon to handle is the question of renewing relations with -«ussia. Of course, there is no question of the formal recognition of the Soviet Government. In 1924 Britain officially recognised the Soviet as the ruler “de jure” of Russia, and this acceptance of the situation is therefore unconditional. In the second place, there is nothing to prevent trade relations between Russia and Britain. No' British Government has laid any embargo upon Russian goods, and the only obstacles in tne way of commercial intercourse are lack of capital on the one side and lack of confidence on the other. T lie present question is whether Britain should now renew with Russia the diplomatic relations broken off in 1927. The circumstances of that diplomatic rupture should still be fresh in the public mind. It was due solely to the persistent efforts of the Bolsheviks to stir up industrial strife and social revolution in Britain. The Soviet Government has frequently tried to shelter itself behind the flimsy excuse that it has no official connection

with the Third International, and that li/ cannot be blamed for the actions of irresponsible fanatics. But Mr MacDonald, when he was in office,. had occasion to warn the Soviet State several times that it must desist from such illicit interference in the internal affairs of Britain, and lie threatened to break off all relations with Russia if these offences were repeated. When the final rupture came, the British Government simply fol owed the course already foreshadowed by Mr MacDonald. Yet, Mr MacDonald made “repeal of relations with Russia” one of the chief “planks’’ in his electoral “platform,” and he lias now to redeem his pledges. But Mr MacDonald has not displayed any haste in taking the initial steps. First it was reported, much to the wrath of the Bo.sheviksj that he intended to discuss the question with Mr Hoover before coming to a decision. Nest it was stated publicly that the Labour Government would do nothing decisive without consulting the Dominions. It lias since been announced in a semi-official way that Canada will refuse to follow Britain in renewing relations with Russia, and that Australia, while prepared to consider the question seriously, will resume relations only under certain conditions. These delays and reservation have served to exasperate the Bolsheviks,' and the announcement ' made to Parliament last week by the new Foreign Minister has only added fuel to the flames. Mr Henderson produced the impression at least in Russia that in his opinion Britain has only to offer renewal of diplomatic relations on her own terms and Russia will gladly accept. . The official organ of the Soviet Dictatorship haughtily repudiates the suggestion, and insists that Russa shall be recognised unconditionally or not at all. This may be partly “bluff,” but it is characteristic of the arrogant contempt of the Bolsheviks for the “capitalistc” States. But Mr MacDonald and Mr Henderson know well that unconditional renewal of relations with Russia would arouse vehement disapproval in Britain and throughout the Empire.