KRASSIN’S MISSION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10609, 7 June 1920, Page 5

KRASSIN’S MISSION

RUSSIAN DELEGATION ‘•NOT ORIGINALLY A GERMAN AGENT.” Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON. June 4. In the House of Commons, replying to Colonel. J. Grottou regarding conversations' ' 'with 51. Efassin, inLloyd George recalled that the Supreme Council at San. Uenw on April yGtdi decided that Allied representatives should meet -U. Jvz-assin and otuer Russian trade .delegates, except ->i. Gitvmotf, in- jLoudou. At. Krassin, besides heading the delegation representing the Russian co-operative oihaiasulious, was also' a Soviet Government aiiiuster, and therefore acted in the name and with the authority of the aoyiet .Government., Air Lloyd George thought; that ii. ivrassm was not vngiuaiiy a German, agent. He had i.heen associated with a German electrical firm, bqt was a Russian. Thei Government wanted to settle certain questions before . undertaking negotiations, for example, the release of all British xwisoners in Russia, which was an essential preliminary to tho renewal of trade relations. BRITISH INTERESTS. GUARANTEE OF PROTECTION NECESSARY.

Australian' and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, Juno 4.

Continuing his statement in the House of Commons regarding the Russian (trade) proposals. Ml- Lloyd George said the Government also wanted guarantees that British interests east, of Rome would not, be attacked while the negotiations were proceeding. After these questions had been cleared up, negotiations in regard to (trade would be conducted by representatives of all the Governments. Representatives of the French and Italian. Governments were in London prepared to proceed with, the negotiations. Replying to Aid Palmer, the Premier said he was unaware that there was great perturbation in France. Tb© mere, fact (that certain' French newspapers Were tryih*to 'foment trouble between two frieitidly' AlliesI—countries 1 —countries whose friendliness was essential_ to the inltereats of the world—did not prove that French perturbation.