THE HAGUE COLLAPSE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 July 1922, Page 4

THE HAGUE COLLAPSE.

The negotiations with Russia at The Hague Conference have ended much as could have been anticipated. Russia wants Allied help in the way of credits w loflnti, yet is aot prepared to prove

her bona fidae by restoring the Allied private property the Soviet so ruthlessly confiscated, or give compensation therefor, or recognise past debts. What would be thought of a man in private life who having broken faith in the most flagrant manner with another goes to him and requests —not asks for—further accommodation? The reception he would receive would be a pretty chilly one, as he would deserve. That is precisely the position with the Russian Soviet. It has been apparent at The Hague and Genoa Conferences that the Bolsheviks at present occupying the Russian political saddle know not what constitutes honor or. honesty. They have proved themselves true Bolsheviks —shifty, mendacious and truculent, not fit men to associate with, let alone enter into negotiations with. Evidently the Soviet plenipoteniaries have yet to learn that nations, like individuals, have to prove their bona fides and re-establish confidence by their actions (and not by their words) before further favors will be granted them. Russia badly wants the services and goods the Allies are in a position to deliver almost immediately, but it would be the height of folly to attempt to do business with a Government that has behaved so shockingly as the Bolsheviks have respecting Allied debts and property. It is hard on the Russian people, of course. They are in a sorry plight, due almost entirely to the misgovernment of the Soviets. Meantime it would pay Britain to turn her attention to the development of the resources of her own colonies, which potentially are as rich as Russia, with the added advantages that her capital and interest would be safe, greater trade would follow, outlets would be provided for her surplus population, and the Empire be materially strengthened.