Evening star., 1920-05-30
By OLIVER OWEN KUHN.

TN the whirligig of European af-
fairs the Russian problem looms
more and more to the fore. One
great question confronts Euro
pean countries today, eradication of
bolshevist principles and advisers. for
the safety of mankind and civiliza-
tion's tenets.
Upon steps taken by allied govern
ments within the course of the next
few months may depend the future
of Russia, II not the future safety
of the entire continent. Judicious
procedure may bring the downfall Of
the soviet regime in Moscow and
clip the tentacles which. octopus-like,
are reaching out for the weak and
bringing constant menace to the
strong. or the soviet regime may be
so recognized as to prolong its life
with consequent hazard to all.
From French sources-and. because
Slavic peoples past and present,
France feels the pulse of the eastern
continent quicker than any other ma
tfons-comes the information that
Lenin. Trotsky ct al, the arch con-
spirators and slayers of Russian eco
nomic. social and financial life. are
upon the abyss so often spreading out
before leaders of governments It is
confidently expected that within the
next six months the great change
archy will pass forever and Russia,
once more recognized by allied now
ers. Will go ahead under steady hands
ana courageous hearts to mend the
damage done during the years of
war and bolshevist dictation.
Nation Potentially R.-h.
Potentially Russia is one of the rich
natural resources are almost unlimited
throughout the extent of her vast
domain Properly organized. financed
and directed, Russian commerce and
industry can be utilized to great ex-
tent in the process of reviving con-
tinental Europe. It is the potential
Russia that certain allied statesmen,
notably Lloyd George and Nitti, are
looking today land in their eagerness
TO mitigate certain noxious CONNER
cial industrial conditions within their
own countries may steer a course to-
ward perpetuation of. the soviet by
trade relations with the soviet. France
is wary and Frances course in re-
gard to the Russian bolsheviks be-
comes more and more an exemplifica-
tion of good Judgment.
France argues-and the French
stand is not wholly departed from
by the American government-that
trading with the soviet is tantamount
to recognition.
Re-establishment of commercial re-
1ations between even a few of the al
lied powers and Russia will lead to
the mitigation Of the soviet govern
ment's economic dangers, and the
reign of Lenin and Trotsky will be
prolonged to the keen disadvantage Of
helpless suffering millions of Rus
sian people
The French argue, and their view
is sustained by a great proportion of
the close students Of foreign affairs.
that If the allies maintain a firm
course and refuse to enter in upon
elaborate trade relations with Rus
sia, the day will come when, owing
to utter chaos occasioned by the in
capacity of bolshevik governing
theories and leaders, the Russian
people will arise en- masse and turn
the money changers from the temple
and new order will come as natural
course. This theory is the logical one.
for. much as the other nations, princi-
pally England and Italy. would cam
outage their trade relations with the
soviet under the guise that they are
trading with Russian co-operatives.
which are dominated by the soviet.
the fact remains that any trade aid
whatsoever at the present 1uncture
will defer the day of reckoning Tor
bolshevist leaders.
Reports emanating from travellers.