New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-08-12
Note
On BOlsheyilxi
Stu1ls British
Warning Not to Recognize
Soviet Considered in Very
Poor Taste; Action of
France Also a Surprise
Alliance Split Feared
England Puzzled as to Mo.
tive Behind the Recogni-
ton of General Wraneel
By Arthur S. Draper

From, The Tribunes European Bureou
Copyright. 1920, New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON, Aug. 11.-President Will
sons note on the Russian problem and
Frances decision to recognize General
Wrangel came as unpleasant surprises
to Great Britain. Just when it seemed
that danger of war with Russia had
been averted and general European
peace was just around the corner the
whole situation has undergone a pro-
found change.
The British will continue their policy
as IT nothing had happened, but it is
impossible to exaggerate the impor-
lance which the government attaches
to these actions of it's two chief war
allies of the past. For the moment the
interest centers in the result of the
Russian-Polish armistce conference at
Mnsk
The contents of the Wilson note did
not become generally known until this
afternoon, and even now it has not
been published in full, consequently
there is little editorial comment in to-
Bolshevism is perfectly understandable
to the British, but President Wilson's
warning to Britain not to recognize
the Soviet government is considered in
poor taste, to put the case mildly.
Believe in Recognition
The British feel that the time to
pursue a policy of isolation has long
since passed and that if Europe is to
obtain any measure of stability it must
come through recognition of the group
which dominates Russia. "The Star"
says:
This is strange doctrine from the
land of freedom, the country of Presi-
dent Wilson, who reduced the theory
Of selfdetermination to crystal, if he
did not actually invent it. Secretary
Of State Colby should refer to- the
speech made in the Italian Chamber
week ago by Count Sforza, who said
Whether the Russians favor it, or
whether they are merely tolerating it,
the Moscow government exists, and we
cannot desire that Europe should con-
tinue to live in fictitious ignorance of
Russia
There is still less excuse for DELHI
crate observation on the part of the
United States. 1t surely does not
on the day when European govern
ments made UP their minds to recog-
nize the new republic of the West.
Nor should it forget the time when
France, our present ally, was passing
through reign of terror to the
triumph of the French Republic. 1t
isn't for the United States or for US
to like or dislike the BoIshevik
regime. 1t is purely and absolutely
question for the Russian people"
British Ask for Alternative
Once again the British ask what
alternative President Wilson has to
offer. They want some constructive
criticism which viii help Europe, not
something which will merely prolong
unrest, dissatisfaction and revolution
en- the Continent. They find nothing in
his note of helpful nature That is
the view of officials, as we'll as the
general public. France and America,
against Britain and Italy. Nothing
could be more unfortunate, and it is
almost as discouraging as if the Allies
were compelled to 60 to war with
Russia, is their view.
French recognition of General
Wrangel means a split in the Anglo
French alliance because of the vital
question at issue. Whether it is a
deliberate effort to spike Great Brit
aims efforts to make peace or merely
an attempt of the French to get some
Russian group TO guarantee the repay
ment of French loans it is difficult to
see. The French decision means in
any case intensified warfare in the
Crimea, where Frances contribution
must be heavy, for the British have
not the slightest intention Of giving
assistance there if the Poles and Boil
sheviki make peace.
For weeks the gulf between the
British and French has beer widening,
bus nothing done hitherto has been
quite SO disastrous to the alliance. 1t
Is no wonder the British view the sit
uation as extremely grave.
Domestic Help Problems easily solved by
consulting Situation Wanted Ads thai
appear in The Tribune daily or by insert
ing a Help Wanted AID. Phone Beekman