Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-01-17
4T|GER' OPPOSED
new RUSSIAN PLAN
Reluctantly Yielded to Lloyd
Georges Proposal to Re-
sumo Trade
NITTl SUPPORTS BRITISH
BY the Associated Press

yesterday upon a limited opening of
trade with Russia.
Premier Lloyd George proposed the
measure, seemingly to conciliate the
labor forces of England. Premier Nittl
supported Mr.. Lloyd George, explaining
that the decision would have good eff
feet upon political opinion in Italy,
where a good deal of Bolsheyik agita-
ton is reported
Premier ClemenCeau opposed any
dealings with Bolshevik Russia, but
finally said wearily that he would agree
to such measures of trade as that finally
announced.
,tIe insisted. however. upon writing
the. final paragraph affirming that the
toward the Soviets. NJ. Clemenceau also
remarked that he would soon be out
of the supreme council anyway.
Lloyd George Optimistic
The discussion over the spread of
armed bolshevism in tho Near and Far
East now is said to be due to unof-
fetal conversations held in the war Of
flee at London Mr.. Lloyd George and
various members of his encourage in
Paris. when questioned, as they have
been frequently since the change of
plans has been made. have replied in an
optimistic vein. indicating their belief
that the situation was not as dark as
would appear from the impressions given
by the London war office.
London. Jan. 17.--(By A. p.)-
Commercial relations will be reopencd
between the allied nations and the
Russian people at once as a result of
decision reached by the Supreme
Council at Paris.
Relations between the Allies and So
Wet Russia fill great deal of space in
this mornings newspapers. \ remark
able statement issued in Paris yester-
day and ascribcd to the British mission
there virtually contradicting Thursday s
semi official announcement in this city,
which accompanied the information that
Winston Spencer Churchill and his col
leagues had gone to Paris, is printed
in news columns, but is not a subject
of comment.
DISPATCHES from Paris show a strange
conflict of views regarding the hurried
Journey to that city on Thursday OF
ministers and chiefs OF the army and
navy. Some advices assert they were
summoned there to consider the danger
from bolshevism. while others declare
they were called for general discus
sion of the European situation.
Daily News Expects Peace
London newspapers chose for prom =
inepce the development in the Russian
situation most suited to their respec- :
tice views. Thus the Daily News, which
advocates peace with the Bolshevikl,
describes the announcement OF the open i
ing of trade relations as 'momentous
news, which. ou the face of it, means
the raising of the blockade" In head
lines of blackest type it says: First
Sfen To neace with Russia
In its editorial comment the News
asks:
'sTbis wise decision may involve 'uc
change of policy in regard to the sovie
government, but in regard TO the Rus
sian people it involves change of pol,
icy, which, had it been accomplished
earlier. would have given us today a
very different world.
The labor organ, the Herald. says i!
the announcement sincerely means what
it says. it definitely implies the rails
ing Of the blockade.
s.Rut.' it continues, "the Russian
policy of the allied governments has
been SO tortuous and their deceptions
have been so many that it will be well
to wait and see.
'The dominant fact is that the anti,
Bolshevik side, in the Russian civil
war has collapsed" remarks the
Chronicle. The best thing now. if ii
could be done. would be to obtain salts
factory peace with Russia.
Perhaps we cannot get such peace,
but we might try and, If We cannot
We must make up our minds to face
the full gravity of the alternative
This newspaper urges that it is use
less indefinitely to prolopg a state Of
inconclusive hostility (which can only
result in miltnrizing Russia, which
will be a danger, no matter what re.
ciine secures ultimate control
Anti Bolslleyilt Comment
The Daily Mail. which is strongly
hostile to the Bolsheviki. says the new
trade decision is remarkable one, anC
may have unexpected results, adding
"We believe that Russians who woulC
/ co operate have for the most part beer
killed by Lepine.
The Morning Post and Telegra ph
which are equally anti Bolshevik, gen
orally comment on what they regard
position of extreme gravity for Europe
and especially for Great Britain. Th
former bitterly attacks Premier TlOyC
George for withdrawing support from
the anti Bolshevik forces in Russia ant
SAYS the British policy in this particu
lar has been marked by almost iucon
ceiyable treachery." The Telegraph de
clAreS Lne bpleu'N IN aim " uF purPl,
and simply the destruction of Britisi
power.
'"There are reasons enough for calliu
naval aud military experts into con
sultation in Paris, it concludes
While there seemingly is no disput
of the menace Of the Red armies I
Persia and neighboring countries, thcr
is said to be no direct military menaC
to India at the moment, The mai
danger to India, it is stated. lies i
religious and political propaganda
which the Bolsheviki assiduously ar
spreading among the extremists ther
with the purpose of starting a revolt,
Warsaw, Jan. 17.-(By A. P.D-
Bolsbevik forces on the Lithuanian an
RutheniaI front have been beaten an
demoralized and are rctreating east {
Dvinsk, according to an official state
ment issued at general staff headquar
tcrs. The Reds are reported to be de
stroyiug railroad stations and bridge
10 prevent pursuit.
Strong attacks by tho BolShevib
east OF Lepel have been repulspd wit
heavy losses and prisoners have bee
taken ~ the Poles.
Britain, m Peril,
YioIIc fn RIIoc;,