New-York tribune., 1920-01-20
i. S. Originated
Idea of Trading
WithBolslleviki
Plan Given Entente Several
Months Ago. but Amer
ica's Par; in Peace Coun-
ell Decision Ended There
Washington Lacks Details
Russian Embassy Opposes
Move as Being Certain
to Disappoint Sponsors

WASHINGTON. Jan. 19.-lnquiry in
official quarters to-day developed that
the idea of exchanging commodities
With Sovie. Russia, authorized by the
Supreme Council, originated with the
American government several months
ago and was communicated at that
time to the Entente powers through
the Supreme Council.
Since then there have been no
further presentations on the subject
from Washington. Although the State
Department has been in receipt from
time to time Of such information as
was contained in an official COM
munique Of the councils proceedings
made public Saturday. the United
States, j, was asserted, has taken no
part in the consi Iteration Of the matter
Awaiting Ds~ails
The Sta.e Department IS still igno-
rant Of the details of the plan made
in Paris TO give effect TO the pro-
uosal Officials say they desire TO be
illly Informed and assured OF its
sracticability and safety before enter
ng in any manner into its execution.
A. the Russian Embassy here the
llan meets with unhes itating con-
.emnation as one certain 10 disappoint
- purposes Of its sponsors, which are
understood 10 contemplate the strength
euirg Of the better elements in Russ a
o point where they can throw off the
.entro OF the Lenine- Trorzky regime
Embassy otFic ials assert that the
Soviet government. certainly we'll in
'erned Of the conditions in Russia and
he extent Of its own power. never
Folid knowingly acouiesce in the exc
.tion OF any project that would sap
authority and brlng about its over
row.
But in full control of all of the CO.
. use as q means Of placing the i'm
orted supplies in the hands OF the
ussian people. the Soviets, il is said
ureiy VIII make certain of the distri-
eUtiOn Of the supplies TO its own sup
rtors alone.
LONDON. Jan l9.-The military
.ccesses OF the Soviet forces were the
cause o. the action Of the Allies in
lecding to permit the reopening Of
.rade with Russia, according TO wire
less statement from Moscow picked up
ere. in which industrial Russia is
urged 20 apply itself 70 its tasks. The
message says:
TIE blockade ring has been broken
By the victories OF the Red army
Inc army Of labor has started It's cam
raign. The workers defeated the en-
emv when thousands of faithful hands
.ook I'D the matter. To your lathes.
machines, ratchets, hammers and
shovels, There is work for horny
lands
In diplomatic and commercial circles
here the scheme for an exchange Of
goods with tne Russian coo perative So
cie.ies Wa much more favorably re-
ceiyed to-day after consideration than
when the announcement was first
made Il is candidly admitted that the
first news Of tho decision came as a
great surprise. attended by misgivings,
but anxiety over the plan Is diminish
ing as the situation IS further can
yasSed.
Russian Envovs GO to Paris
The Joint committee here Of the Rus
sion cooperative societies left for far:s
tonight for conference with the
Allied councils represen tatlves to work
out the details for putting into opera
lion the decision Of the council to per
nit the reopening Of trade with Russia
through The societies. The details Of the
ansportation arrange genents, the ques-
ton Of priority = imports and exports
and the vexed question Of financing
the transactions viii be worked out in
consultations which are expected TO
continue several days
London is the main headquarters Of
the Russian cooperative movement, but
several Of the largest societies also
have Paris branches The comm ittee &
Chairman, Il. MorosoT. il general man
sser o. The union OF Siberian coopera
tive unions. This morning he had only
bare announcement Of the Allied
Council decision.
Admits There Is No Gold
Asked whether sufficient gold was
a'aliatle iu Russia to finance d re-
sumption o. 'rading on any consider
sole scale. y. Morosof said:
We have 10 gold, but we have what
- better nan gold raw materials. II
u impossible ~ say what plan will be
WORKED out IN Paris, but since we have
NE things me rcst Of the world wants
ahd We need virtually everything the
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