Evening star., 1920-11-16
REDS PUSH BRITISH
TO RESUME TRADE
Lloyd George Favorable, But
Meets Oppositior,-French
Add Complications.

LONDON. November 16 (by the AS
sociated s).-Representatives OF the
Russian trade delegation in London
headed by Leonid krassin, were in con-
terence yesterday with the cabinet. dis
cussing the preliminaries for the pos
sible resumption of trade with soviet
Russia.
Some progress was made. but it is
stated there is sharp dlVlsion OF
opinion in the British cabinet on the
subject. Premier Lloyd George is re-
ported to favor resumption. but several
Of the prominent cabinet members are
opposing it.
IMr. Lloyd George is said to be sup
ported among others, by Andrew Bonar
Law. government leader in the house of
commons, and Sir Robert S. Horne,
president of the hoard of trade, who
heretofore had opposed the recognition
policy.
French Complicate Situation.
The difficulty of the situation is made
greater by the attitude of France. where
general public opinion is reflected as
against any resumption at present 1t
is stated that Great Britain will not re-
sumo trade with the soviets without the
consent of the French cabinet. which
has been informed of yesterdays pro-
CeedingS and requested to comment
upon them.
The latest note sent by NJ. Tcht-
cherin, Russian bolsheyik foreign min
lister. to Earl Curzon of kedfeston.
British secretary for foreign affairs.
concerning the negotiations for a re-
sumption of trade relations between
Great Britain and Russia. is a lengthy
document The Daily Herald prints it
this morning.
Matters cannet longer be allowed
to drag as they have dragged in the
last ten months" says the letter in
RI PYtfiSh
ment is prepared to enter into nego-
tiations for a complete trade agree
nent, the soviet government will re-
gretfully have to admit that its pro-
racted efforts. despite all its good
will, have failed this time as COM
pletely as they did on previous oc-
casions and will draw the necessary
conclusions.
Reds Urge Prompt Action.
'It therefore asks the British gov
ernment to give a straight and prompt
answer as to whether it is prepared
to accede to the suggestion for imme-
diate negotiations.
Expressing the hope that satisfac-
tory reply will be given, the letter
adds:
The soviet government expects the
trade agreement will Immediately be
followed or accompanied by negotia-
tions for peace and restoration OF
normal relations
The council of action" Of the Ia
borites has decided to reopen its fight
against the government to secure
peace and return of trade with Rus
sia. according to the Daily Herald, the
labor organ. The newspaper prints
the text of a manifesto Of the "coun-
Gil of action" which is addressed to
the local courts of action and the
trades union organizations.
The manifesto reiterates the former
plans of the council of action" and
contends that peace with Russia is Of
vital Importance I'M relation to the
unemployment problem in Great Brit
ain.
British Labor Fayors Move.
Break down the barriers which
now obstruct the free exchange Of
commodities between Russia and
Great Britain. and an immediate de-
mand for British manufactured goods
would be created. with the inflow of
the necessary raw materials. in ex-
change" says the manifesto. Peace
with Russia would increase employ
ment and bring down prices.
We cannot allow political imperial
ism or the interests df International
>hnanciers to stand in our way. Work
ers should not starve to promote in.
fiated prices or perpetuate artificial
bank rates.
The manifesto concludes by urging
the local councils to set to work and
organize meetings and distribute leaf
lets calling for action.