The Daily News MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1922. FRANCE AND RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 February 1922, Page 4

The Daily News MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1922. FRANCE AND RUSSIA.

Whether there is any foundation for the report from Berlin that France has concluded a provisional agreement with Russia, remains to be seen. Such a move is quite possible, though there are features which it is not easy to reconcile with French policy and international relations. From a Soviet point of view the negotiation of such an agreement is perfectly intelligible, and has all the appearance of an invitation by the Russian spider to the French fly to enter a parlor in order to be sucked dry. There have been other rumors of a somewhat similar nature in regard to Russian concessions to other nationals, but as yet the Soviet rulers do not appear to have been able to offer any security that is sufficient to tempt bidders. That Russia wants money—and needs it sorely—is patent to the most casual observer, but the risk to outsiders, whether Governments or sydnicates, are a bar to business resulting. It may be that France considers it would be a cute policy to play off Russia against Germany, and is therefore willing to take a risk that otherwise would not receive a moment’s consideration. Considering that the Soviet leaders are totally unreliable and unscrupulous, as was conclusively proved by their intrigue with Germany during the war, and by their actions ever since, it is past comprehension how any thought of trusting such opportunists ean be entertained. All they want is to secure an inflow of capital, by hook; or by erook. If France were so foolish as to enter into an agreement with Lenin and Trotsky she must be prepared to be thrown over whenever it suits the Russian authorities, who are quite aware that they can play off Germany against France whenever they so please. It may suit the German wire-pullers to pretend there is consternation over a reported Franco-Russian agreement, and the comment by the Lokal Anzeiger to the effect that such an agreement would give France practically a world monopoly in the reconstruction of Russia, while reducing the latter country to a state of vassalage, is just what might have been expected, though it is evident the German journal “doth protest too much.” Nothing would please the German monarchists more than for France to be entangled with Russia, and thus provide the fuel for another blaze. While if is recognised by all the Bowers that Russia should be helped out of her present difficulties, it is also understood that it would be impolitic for any sphere of influence to be created in that country by any one nation. Moreover the Allies are directly concerned in preventing France from taking a lone hand either in Russia or elsewhere. Even if the sensational report of this agreement is baseless, it has been sprung on the world at an opportune moment for convincing France or any other nation of the danger of either secret or open agreements having the object of gain at the expense of other nations. There ean be no harm in the Soviet Government recognising the debt of Russia to France, but if there is to be a price given for such recognition then the principle is bad and should not be countenanced. The whole question is not one that can be regarded from the aspect of presentday affairs; it is far too serious for that, particularly in view of likely developments in the future. The fact that such a report should find publicity indicates the coninued existence of dangerous intrigues. France has quite as much ar she can manage in attending to her own affairs, and it is absurd to suppose that she contemplates becoming the overlord of Russia.