Evening star., 1920-04-05
TRADE WITH RUSSIA
WILL Be RESUMED
BY UNITED STATES
All Arrangements Must Be
Made Without Reliance
Upon Government.
ny DAVID LAWRENCE.

Trade relations between the United
States and the people of Russia.
whether the latter are under the juris-
diction of the sovets or any other fac
ticn. will shortly be resumed.
The United States government has
been awaiting an answer from the al
lies as to the course the other nations
would pursue. but the suggestions and
counter suggestions have thus far yield
ed no concrete understanding. 1t is the
intention of our government. if an an
swer is not forthcoming very soon. to
advise American citizens to go ahead ir-
respective of the action of the other
powers
Any American would be able to trade
with Russia at his own risk. This means
that diplomatic protection in the event
of losses OF disagreemAnts will not be
afforded at present. though later on.
when a government in Russia is finally
recognized. the Department of State
would doubtless insist upon the assump-
ton of responsibility by any new gov
ernment of the transactions or claims
pending against its predecessor.
Non-POliticaI Attitude.
The United States looks upon the
question of commerce with Russia
with non-political eyes. There is no
embargo against the Russian people
or against the individuals who may
be principals in the soviet regime. To
American citizens all Russians will be
on the same footing. Goods can be
bought or sold and transported to and
from Russia. but all arrangements
must be made without the moral or
physical assistance of the United
States government.
With respect to recognition of the
soviets. there are as yet no signs Of
any change of policy. and 1T is ex
tremely unlikely that this presiden-
tial year the democratic administra
ton would lay itself open to attack
as sympathetic with the bo1sheviki by
taking the lead in extending recogni-
ton.
On the other hand, should the allies
decide upon such a policy. the United
would Join in the policy of the asso
ciated powers.
OF one thing the public may rest
assured. Information here would
seem to indicate that under no cir
cumstances will the allies agree to
any recognition Of the soviets unless
there is a definite remuneration of any
policy of international revolution or
propaganda looking toward that end.
While officials are inclined TO look
upon the matter of the soviet regime
as a form of government set up by
Russians lot huSSid' l@ey are ufWiy
set against the continuance of any
external activity or missionary work
for soviet methods
The deportation of Ludwig Martens.
the self f-styled Ambassador" of the
soviets. is as much warning against
any future attempt to introduce revo-
lutionary propaganda in the United
States as it is punishment for Mar
tens.
Based on international Law.
Our government officials deem them
selves to be acting on the solid ground
of international law and understand
ing in refusing to recognize any gov
ernment one OF whose aims IS the
overthrow Of forms Of government
unlike it's own. The Department OF
State claims that revolutionary prop
ayanda is inspired by the SoVietS ana
that the task of Martens was to
spread soviet doctrines in the United
States.
OF course, there is no denying the
nroba bility that trade relations with
Russia will tend to emphasize sooner
or later the political aspects of the
problem. and that decision or some
kind will become necessary. On the
other hand, it is thought possible chat
with the return of trade. the Russian
neopIe themselves will be better able
to understand the viewpoint of the
outside world toward political recog-
milton and will eventually compel
those who assume to govern Russia
to change their tactics toward other
nations.
Russian Embassy Question.
Incidentally, an interesting question
has Just been raised concerning the
occupancy of the Russian embassy
building in Washington. A rumor has
been current for several days that
the Department of State had ordered
out the present occupants OF the
building-namely. Mr.. Bahkmeteff
and others who came here as the rep
resentatives of the Kerensky govern
ment.. But there is no truth in the
rumor.
officials of the department tell the
writer that the United States govern
ment has no jurisdiction over the en-
bassy building. Possession Is nine points
Of the law, and until the gov
ernment of the United States en-
ters into diplomatic relations with a
government in Russia from which in
StructiC-S - received concerning