New-York tribune., 1919-05-22
AllRussiall L nion
And Soyiets Split
Over Food Problem
Charge Of Politics in Con
nection With Shipments
From, L. 5. Is Denied by
Head of Former Society

Alexander BerNenheim, -presi-
dent of the All-Russian Central Union
Of Consumers Societies, with Offices at
1856 Liberty Street. issued a statement
yesterday to the effect that his organi-
zaton desires to ship foodstuffs i'm
mediately to Russia. and that, in his
opinion. the only way TO combat Boil
shevism IS by doing away with famine
a. Mr. Berkenhelm said his organiza-
tion, if permitted to do so, would send
ioodstuffs 20 its 50O00 local unions in
Russia, for relief purposes, will guar
, antee that none Of these supplies viii
ke used. indirectly or directly, in the
evil war there, and is willing, if nee
essary, 10 have a neutral commission
supervise the work.
Asked to comment on Mr.. Berken-
helms statement, Santeri Nuorteva,
spokesman of the Russian Soviet Bu-
reau, headed by L. c. A K. Martens.
asserted that, although Mr.. Berken-
helms efforts may be impartial, as
serted that, although Mr. Berkenheim S
efforts may be impartial. those of his
colleagues are political. for in a state
usnt they issued yesterday they came
eus in support of kolchak. the Slberi-
80 Premier.
Mr.. Nuorteva said that elements who
want "kolchak autocracy" in Russia
are making desperate efforts to use
alleged representatives of cooperatives
as their cats paws He said. further.
that no plan to aid Russia can ma
terialize II such plans are to be used
for suppression Of the Russian Soviets.
which represent the vast majority of
the Russian people"
"lf Mr.. Berkenheim really wants to
aid Russia by helping TO lift the block
ade and getting foodstuffs into Russia" >"
ne continued, there Will be no diff
eqltles on the part Of Soviets and the
vast number Of Russian people who are
using the eooperatives As the distribute
ing agency. ana who at the same time
are hcart and soul with the worker
go7ernment OF Russia"
When this statement was called to
he attention o. Mr Berkenheim he ad-
n'tsed there we're TWO factions. one
'avoring kolchak He said this state
ment, however. did not come from him.
out was made by the Siberian coopera-
tive organizations.
I deeply regret ne said. that
Me Siberian cooperative organizations
rave thus refused to follow the prin-
c'p'e oil non-lnterference in party pol
'aes' anu deem il necessary 20 en-
lhaslze that the etatement mas not
been signed by the representatives of
'se All Russian O-ganizat;crs.'
ne sad this central body was com
y"sea OF his own Organization and the
MOSCOW Narodny Bank, both Of which
nave oranches throughout the svr:ncr
:. l.1szian empire, including Siberia and
-so'tnern Russia. These organizations
entirely adhere 10 the standpoint Of
hon-interference in the political party
Struggle.
30 'ar as my personal opinion goes"
ne declared, II, although remaining
1s'eefnined adversary of Bolshevism,
r'eisf TO adhere to the standpoint
,sAen oy truly democratic leaders,
nefensky and Agxen,ief, as expressed
'eeently IN me prcss."
am certain ne added. that
s%oa'a a the Russian and Siberian CO.
spe'ators have mad the possibility Of
expressing thcir views without fear
=, imprisonment, persecution and the
sy'.ag OF their organization, they
''a'n nave expressed similar views"