Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-05-09
POLICY TOWARD RUSSIA
HAS BEEN UTTER FAILURE
SO Says Historian in Discussing Dit
ference Between Dcmocracics
and Bolshevism.
PRINCIPLES DIFFER RADICALLY
Exchanges Possible When Nations
Adhere to Same ideals, but Nothing
Can Be Done When They Arc i'll
Opposition.
HI GUGLlELMO FERRERO,
Italian Historian

PARIS. May S.-Thc policy OF the
peace conference toward Russia has
remains absolutely unsolved. Why?
To find tho correct answer 10 this
the Russian problem consists. About
the regime which the Bolshcvists have
established in Russia. we may have
the most varied ideas: we may ad-
mire or condemn it; but upon one point
all aSrec-namely. that the Bolshcvist
regime rests upon principles diamet-
ricaliy opposed 10 the principles upon
founded. and for which they have
fought in this war.
The fundamental principles of the
oauality-moral and political--of all
social classes. freedom of the press
the, right, of assembly. and the inviol-
ability of private property.
To these principles the Bclshevists
oppose their doctrine of the superiority
and privileges of the working class.
the dictatorship of the prolctariat, and
communist regime.
In short, Bolshcvism may be defined
rs .'aristocracy reversed in which the
prolctar!Gt represents the privileged
class.
These things granted, We can quickly
comprehend why the idea OF con-
was a mistake. Conversations and dis
cusSions may be possible between in
diriduals or nations who adhere 10 the
same principles and merely differ as to
tween two sides so fundamentally and
uncquirocaNy in opposition to each
other on the main principles.
How can accord be found between
governments which consider equality
and property sacred. and a govern
ment which wants TO abolish both?
IN the very nature of things. the two
sides must look at each question and
each possible solution in a. different
light. That which is considered Just
by one side would be regarded as alb
surd by the other.
The Prinkipo conference could not
have been brought about: had it by any
chance been brought ABOUT, 1t could not
have arrived at any harmonious con-
clusion. because the two parties would
have spoken different lansuaEes.
Must we, then. admit that, as Rus
sian refugees and certain politicians
IN all entente countries assert. ii is
necessary TO declare war on Bolshevism
and invade Russia? ] do not think so.
War on Bolshevism today is mpos-
sible-not because Bolshevism is too
strong from military viewpoint; not
because Russia, in her very vastness,
is immune against all attacks but be-
cause the western democracies lack
the necessary base. or bases OF opera
ton.
The world war had demonstrated
that Russia was better protected
against invasion than she was al the
time Of Napoleon, but that modern
civilization has created the means to
overcome space. which proved SO catas-
trophal TO Napoleon. Germany and
Austria within less than three years
invaded and destroyed the immonse
empire Of the Cars.
But If a Russian invasion is today
possible. the base from which TO ac-
complish it is Central Europe.
We cannot approach the immensely
Of Russia through Archangel, Odessa
or even Vladivostok. Attacked from
these extreme points, the Bolshevists
will always be able TO defend them
selves with comparative ease, even il
their armies are weaker numerically.
What. then, arc we TO do. if war is
impossible, IL there are no means to
bring about negotiations? That is
The problem which the peace confer
cnce has been unable TO solve and
which 1t has judged insoluble-for
nothing has been done toward solving
II since the abortive attempt at n con-
ference on Prinkipo Island.
But, this writer sees 1t. the prob
lem is by no means as insolubie as il
appears.
The Barrier Against Bolshevism"-
Watch for Professor Ferrero's next ar
tcle on Russia. in which he outlines
his idea of how 10 check tho flames OF
Sovietism from sweeping across Cen.
,ral Europe into the entente countries