Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-04-08
j. S. WILL RESUME
TRADE RELATIONS
WITH RUSSIA SOON
Govt, Weary With Trying to
Find Out Allies Attitude, Is
Likely to Advise American
Citizens to Go Ahead Irrespec-
tive of the Action of Other
Powers
ny DAVID LAWRENCE

NCopyI rs III lJSV ny tue ltc fitSSJ
Washington. April 7.-Trade relations
between the United States and the people
Of Russia, whether the latter arc under
the jurisdiction of the soviots or any 9TH
or faction. will shortly be resumed.
The United States government has been
waiting an answer from the allies as to
the course the other nations would pur-
sue, but the suggestions and counter-sug-
gestions have thus far yielded no con-
crete understanding. 1t is the intention
of our government. II an answer Is not
forthcoming very soon, to advise Ameri-
cans to 60 ahead irrespective of the ac-
tions of the other powers. Any American
would he able to trade with Russia at his
own risk. This means that diplomatic pro-
lection in the event of losses or disagree
mems will not be afforded present.
though later on when government in
Russia Is finally recognized, tho depart
ment of State would doubtless insist upon
the assumption of responsibility by any
government of the transactions or claims
pending against it's predecessor.
The United States looks upon the ques
ton of commerce with Russia with nom
political eyes. There is no embargo
against the Russian people. or against
the individuals who may be principals
in the soviet regime. To American citi-
zens all Russians will be on the same
footing. Goods can be bought or sold and
transported to and from Russia. but all
arrangements must be made without the
moral or physical assistance of the Uni
ted States government
With respect to recognition of the Sovi
cts. there is as yet no signs of any change
of policy and it is extremely unlikely that
this presidential year. the democratic
administration would lay itself open TO
attack as sympathetic with the Bolshe-
wiki by taking the lead in extending rec
ignition. On the other hand. should the
allies decide upon such a policy the Uni
ted States would not stand aloof, but
would join in the policy by the associated
powers.
OF one thing the public may rest assur-
cd. Information here would seem to in
dictate that under no circumstances will
the allies agree to any recognition of the
soviets unless there is a definite renunci-
alton of any policy of international rev.
olution or propaganda looking toward that
end. While officials are inclined to look
upon the matter of soviet regime a
form of government set up by Russians
for Russia. they are firmly set against
the continuance of any external activity
or missionary work for soviet methods.
The deportation of Ludwig Martens. the
self-styed "ambassador' of the soviets
is as much a warning against any future
attempt to introduce revolutionary prop
uganda in the United States as it is a
punishment for Martens.
Our government officials deem them
selves to be acting on the solid ground
of International law and understanding
in refusing to recognize any government
one of whose aims is the overthrow of
forms of government unlike its own. The
department of State claims that revou-
tionary propaganda is inspired by the
soviets and that the task of Martens was
to spread soviet doctrines in the United
States
OF course there Is no denying the prob
ability that trade relations with Rus
STA will tend to emphasize sooner or later
the political aspects of the problem and
that decision of some kind will become
necessary. On the other hand. it is though,
possible that with the return of trade
the Russian people themselves will be
better able to understand the viewpoint
of the outside world toward political rec
ogntion and will eventually compel those
who assume to govern Russia to change
their tactics toward other nations.
incidentally. an interesting question has
Just been raised concerning the occu
pancy of the Russian embassy building
in Washington A rumor has been curren
for several days that the department o.
State ordered out the present occupants
of the buildinG-namely Mr.. Bahmetef
and others who came here as the repre-
sentatives of the Kerensky government
But there Is no truth in the rumor. OF
fcals of the department tell the write
that the United States government hal
no jurisdiction over the embassy building
Our government does not recognize tn
KerenslSy men any more than 1t does tn
Martens group. But far the building
possession is nine points of the law an,
until the government of the United state
enters into diplomatic relations with
government in Russia from whom in
structions can be received concerning tn
occupancy of the building, no action wi
he taken against present tenants. Agai
and again the department of state ha
been confronted with this problem PAL
ticularly with respect to Mexico The Car
rama faction occupied the Mexican EN-
bassy for many months prior to forms
recognition of the Carranza government
Embassy buildings are the property G
foreign governments and the rule whic
has been followed here is to refrain fror
interference with the last occupants c
a legation or embassy until a new GOV
eminent is formally recognized.