Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-08-16
What Will tho Verdict BE?

| k1OW that America has defined its policy
toward the Russian problem in COM
| Inunication which, while laying its male
diction upon the Bolshevist regime, eX
| presses its faith in the Russian people as II
| whole and stands firmly against the dis
| memberment OF the old empire, ii remains TO
] be seen to what extent other powers are
brought into line. These governments can
not well ignore the declaration of this coun-
try that it would regard with satisfaction
declaration by the allied and associated
powers that the territorial integrity and
true boundaries of Russia shall be respect
ed"
1t remains to be seen what view these
powers take OF the policy of the United
States. All Of them are openly asked by
! America to agree to protect by their moral,
II not their physical force, the territory OF
Russia with the exception of Poland and
Finland. which nations were partitioned or
absorbed by Russia against their will Pres
ident Wilson even holds that the boundaries
oil Armenia. In so far as they involve orig-
nal russian possessions, are not to be fixed
without the consent of Russia
Inc allies. ii is easy to recall. have given
their support TO the general scheme OF es-
tabilshing Il group of Baltic republics includ-
ing Lithuania, Letvia. Esthonia, Ukrainia
Georgia and Azerbaijan. All of these were
TO be carved out of the territory which was
once indisputably Russian. Can the allies
now afford to withdraw from this enterprise
in order TO participate in the Wilsonian PROF.
paganda against Bolshcvism?
Japan has established itself in Siberia
and shows little inclination 10 withdraw.
The American program provides that Siberia
be restored to the Russians, as we'll as other
areas which have sought to gain their indie
pemence through the partitioning of the
empire. The answer. Japan makes 10 this
note, therefore, will he of worldwide in
tcreet as will the answer Of the other gov
ernmeIus concerned.
President Wilson has no power to COM
pei the acceptance OF his benevolent scheme
All lie can do is to influence the associated
governments. and he is now seeking to bring
about an abandonment of policies adopted
By most of them plainly contrary to the views
as outlined in the note TO the Italian am
bassador. Italy itself has been urging the
recognition OF the Bolshevist government
for months Great Britain has been dealing
directly with that government, and has re-
celred two Bolshcvist diplomats in London,
which in itself is virtually recognition of
Lentnc.
or course, if the allies fail or refuse to
adopt the American policy as their own, the
United States may properly refuse to have
any part in the settlement of the Russian
problem. That is the one weapon which tho
President holds over the European powers
at the present time, but it may prove TO be
an ineffective weapon. The allies have pro-
ceeded very far already in carrying out an
independent policy toward Russia, and they
may take the position that this country has
entered the situation too late
While Europe is debating tho proposals
Of the President, this government may mere
ly sit tight The next move is squarely up
to the allies.