Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-01-19
CRIED RED PERIL
TO AID CHURCHILL
British War Officials Tried to
Force Lloyd Georges Hand
on Russia
PREMIER HAS OTHER PLANS
By the Associated Press

Paris, Jan. 10. - The communication
concerning the Bolshevist menace
recently issued by the war, Office at
London was in consequence of depart
mental policy divergent from that of
Premier Lloyd George, the Associated
Press is informed upon yfirst authority.
Winston Spencer Churchill, the Brit
1sh secretary for war, has himself told
Mr.. Lloyd George that he did not know
about the issuance Of the communica- =
ton. but that he believed the prime
minister underestimated the danger from
the spread of armed bolshevism.
Il has been explained to the prime
minister that the war Office associates
of Mr.. Churchill. knowing how strongly
he felt on the subject of bolshevisn
undertook to influence public opinion
in the direction of their chiefs convic-
tions.
Churchill Opposes Premier
If Mr.. Churchills views were ac-
cepted. the Allies would invade Russia
for the purpose of destroying bolshevism
in its home, while Mr.. Lloyd George S
view is that that would amount to war
against soviet Russia and would only
solidify the Russian people.
Mr.. Lloyd George compares the sit
uation respecting Russia today with
that of France from 1903 to the end of
the century. Military pressure from
without, the premier says, united the
French people behind the revolutionary
government, so that they were able
not only to make headway against for
eign enemies, but win victories. That
is precisely what Europe might see,
Mr.. Lloyd George holds. if Mr.. Church
ill's point of view were allowed to in
fluence the British and French cabinets.
Action Taken the Same Day
Hence. Mr.. Lloyd George on the very
day the communication was issued by
the British war Office insisted upon the
supreme council partially raising the
prime ministers intending to show in
direct acceptance of the changed con-
ditions in Russia by permitting free
trade in food, clothing and other non
military commodities without diplo-
matte relations.
London, Jan. 19.--(By A. P.)-The
Times, which ascribes the decision to
reopen trade relations with soviet Rus
sia entirely to Premier Lloyd George,
attacks him severely and says:
''The statement that this decision
leaves unchanged the attitude of the
Allies toward the Bolshevik government
is regarded as palpable and insolent
untruth.'
The Times further contends that
Lenine and his colleagues will certain
ly seize whatever goods are consigned
to co operative societies, and expresses
the opinion that "Mr. Lloyd Georges
regard for home politics and advanced
laborites had more to do with the de-
cision than the sound views of national
advantage and national honor
The Chronicle, which is firm sup
porter of the premier. says: 'The pre-
tense that the council is dealing only
with the co operative societies and not
the soviet government is camoufage."
The Chronicle maintains the Allies
must make up their minds whether
it is going to be neace or war with the
Bolsheviki. and if not prepared for war.
ought. without delay, to take the lead
in making peace and not indulge in a
miserable scramble of successive capt.
ulations.'
Definite peace is coming, says the
Daily News. which adds that starvation
in Europe is forcing the Allies to end
hostilities.
1.-THE truth which this deviation into
sense and humanity brings home" saws
the News, sis that force has failed.
as it always does fail when employed
in conflict with an idea