The New York herald., 1920-01-20

LONDON, Monday.-Tle Joint Commit
Tee here of the Russian cooperative So
cieues left for Paris tonight for confer
ence Nth the Allied Councils representa-
tives to work out the details for putting
into operation the decision of the council
TO permit the reopening of trade with Rus
sia through the societies. The details of
the transportation arrangements, the
question of priority in imports and eX-
ports. and the vexed problem of financing
the transaction will be worked out in con-.
situations which are expected to continue
several days.
There was a sudden buzz OF activity
about the offices of the Russian CO.
operative organizations. trading cor
porations and banks today. in contrast to
a month OF virtual inactivity, due to de-
moralization in Russian trade.
eve are not informed that the partial
lighting of the ban will be of any imme-
diate benefit to us, but we believe this
restricted resumption of trade is a promis-
ing augury and that it may speedily lead
to broader concessions, so We are getting
ready" said the representative of one of
tho Russian commercial houses, which
does not belong to any Of the cooperative
organizations.
Americans Less Sanguine.
The opinion Of representatives of Ameri-
can banking corporations having Russian
connections was not so sanguine. There
seemingly was scepticism regarding the
reports of the vastness OF Russia's stores
of produce which could be exchanged for
Americaa manufactures. and also regard
Nr-tfl. xxshf frh h
lens might be solved.
"It is going to be like the buying OF
Manhattan Island from the Indians" was
the comment Of a representative of New
York bank. THE only way we now see
T. of taking advantage Of the Paris de-
cisicn,' he continued. "is to load boat
with say, clothing and machinery, and get
the cargo into Russia and swap 1t for so
much wheat or flax This is the only way.
unless the value of the ruble is bolstered
through international backing.
"A drawback to this plan IS the re-
luctance of many foreign traders to take
u chance in Russian ventures. Many OF
them are disposed to accept the darkest
pictures painted of the Russian situation.
They are afraid that the warehouses in
which their cargoes are stored might be
moved over night while they are trying to
effect an acceptable trade.
Fails 20 See Big Stocks for Export.
1T is difficult to reconcile the reports
of the enormity of Russia's products which
are waiting export with the ever recurring
reports of The prevalence of starvation
in that country. Where are these thou
sands of tons of flax and other commodi-
ties? Agents Of American banks who have
been making tours Of investigation have
been unable TO get satisfactory informa-
ton on this point. For these reasons we
are inclined TO believe that American trad
ers will find England and France and
some Of the former enemy countries. all
Of which arc urgently in need of American
goods more attractive markets"
London is the main headquarters of
the Russian cooperative movement. but
several OF the largest societies also have
Paris branches. The committee which is
going to Paris comprises representatives
OF four of the largest societies. which are
delegated TO act on behalf OF eight or ten
smaller organizations.
The committees chairman, Mr. Moros-
off. is general manager OF the Union of
Siberian Cooperative Unions. This morn
ing he had only bare announcement Of
the allied councils decision. Asked
whether sufficient gold was available in
Russia 20 finance a resumption OF trad
ing on any considerable scale. Mr.. Moros-
off said
1--WE have no gold. but we have what
Is better than gold-raw materials"
The military successes OF the Soviet
forces were the cause Of the action OF the
Allies in deciding to permit the reopening
of trade with Russia, according to n wire
less from Moscow, picked up here, in
which industrial Russia Is urged TO apply
Itself TO its tasks. The message says:--
"The blockade ring has been broken by
the victories Of the Red army. The army
Of labor has started its campaign. The
Iafa foI h.
sands of faithful hands took UP the mat
ter.
ITO your lathes, machines, ratchets,
hammers and shovelsl There is work for
horny hands"