TRADE WITH RUSSIA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10608, 5 June 1920, Page 7

TRADE WITH RUSSIA

KRASSIN'S MISSION

DIFFEREX.CE. OF OPIXIOX IN ENGLAND.

' CAUTION AND CRITICISM. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cabin Association. LONDON, Juno 3. Tho latest reports indicate that the Bolshevik Mission inspires increasing caution and criticism. While M. Krassin himself is conscious of the changing atmosphere, he is desperately anx ious to pull off something practical. The. '"limes" continues its slashing attacks, sharing France's hostility, and states that the question of the expediency, even, the morality, of intercourse with tho Bolsheviks divides ofiioial circles. It is; believed that Mr 10. F. Wise, British representative on the Permanent Committee of tho .In-ter-Allied Supreme Economic Council, and Mr Kerr, the Premier's secretary, are the chief advocates of the Bolshevik cause, while the Foreign Office a:#d other departments regard the, negotiations • with disapproval and misgiving: Unanimity pervails on one point only —the impossibility of touching Bolshevik gold. It also doubted whether bartered goods from Russia would nqt be liable to seizure, to satisfy the British and other creditors of Russia.

The Bolshevik secretary) or supervisor, constantly shadows M. Krassln, who talks the "Marxist jargon, and shows almost a fatuous optimism in officially estimating Russia's available exports. He hints that Russia's debt might be discussed, but carefully disavows the Bolsheviks' obligations der the law of nations. It is possible that the Allies ultimately will send a Commission to test M. Krassin's assurances, and investi.:.tp the ownership of exportable comaoditioft, The •' Times" reproduces the text or a remarkable memoir, in which . a member of the Soviet Council of Economy reveals an increasing decline in Russian industry, and the paralysis of transnn-*. It shows that, the Bol'evik ambitions are unchanged, and glorifies Me attempts to bribe the Polish army in a manner similar to tho bribery in connection with tho defeat of Kolchak and Denlken, upon which 150 millions in gold roubles was spent.