TRADE MISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 June 1920, Page 5

TRADE MISSION.

CAUTION AND CRITICISM. HOSTILITY TO KRASSIN. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Jiine 3. The latest reports indicate that the Bolshevik mission inspires increasing caution and criticism, while Krassin himself is conscious of a changing atmosphere, and is desperately anxious to pull off something practical. The Timeß continues its slashing attacks, sharing France's hostility, and states that'the question of the expediency, even the morality, of intercourse with the Bolshevik divides official circles. It is believed that Mr. Wise, British member of the Economic Council, and Mr. Kerr, the Premier's secretary, are the chief advocates of the Bolsheviks' cause, while the Foreign Office and other departments regard the negotiations with disapproval and misgiving. Unanimity prevails on one point only, namely, the impossibility of touching 1 Bolshevik gold. It is also doubted whether bartered goods from Russia will not be liable to seizure to satisfy the British and other creditors of Russia.

A Bolshevik secretary or supervisor constantly shadows Krassin, who talks the Marxist jargon, and shows an almost fatuous optimism in officially estimating Russia's available exports. He hints that Russia's debts might be discussed, but carefully" disavows the Bolsheviks' obligations under the law of nations. ~ It is possible that the Allies will ultimately send a commission to test Krassin's assurances and investigate the ownership of the exportable commodities. , The Times has reproduced the text of n remarkable memoir, in which a member if the Soviet Council of Economy reveals the increasing .decline of Russian industry and the paralysis of transport. He shows that the Bolshevik ambitions are unchanged and glorifies the attempts to bribe the Polish army. There was similar bribery in connection with the defeat of Koltchak and Denikin, in which 150 million gold roubles were spent.—lmperial Service.