New-York tribune., 1920-06-01
Lloyd George
Begins g Parley
With Soviets
Nj. krassin Gives Premier
Account of Conditions in
Russia With View to
q Resumption of Trade
Propaganda Must Cease
French Experts Oppose
Any Political Negotia-
tons With Bolsheviki
By Arthur S. Draper
he Tribune's European Bureau

FROM the IfaOUrc'S European Bureau
Copyright 1920. New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON, May 31.-Gregory Krassi
Russian Soviet Minister of Trade and
Commerce, conferred here to-day with
Premier Lloyd George and his advisers
1t is believed that the Premier made
no promises to the Russians, but simply
obtained first-hand account Of the
situation in that country from the chief
of Premier Lenine's agents, who is an
important Russian business man.
More of the experts attached to Kras-
sins mission are expected to arrive in
London tomorrow, and conferences
with the economic representatives Of
the Allied nations will follow immedi-
ately.
The French representa- tives intend to
proceed cautiously, according to Paris
reports, though their delegates on the
Supreme Economic Council will sit at
all conferences with the British and
Italians. The Russian guarantees will
be studied carefully before the Allies
enter into any agreement, it is said.
The British Will insist that Bolshe
viH propaganda outside of Russia be
discontinued Immediately. Although
krassln is powerless to conclude any
political agreements, his advice will be
followed by Lenine, according to those
who are in mis- confidence.
British Differences Denied
Reports Of grave differences in the
British Cabinet over the Russian ques-
ton are denied. The only differences
are IN the matter of guarantees. the
Foreign Office insisting that the govern
ment take strong stand with regard
to the defenses of Persia, Armenia and
India.
Krassin told the Premier of transpor
tatlon conditions in Russia, explaining
now much rolling stock would be re-
qured and the time needed to get the
railroads operating on an efficient
basis: He also told Lloyd George what
Russia could do in the way of export
ing grain, timber, fax, OF and minerals
as soon as transportation is improved
1t is understood that the British
Prime Minister was favorably i'm
pressed with Krassin's story and the
manner in which he presented it.
Statement on Conference
LONDON, May 81 (By the Associated
freSs ).-Ine 1OllOWlng othclal state
ment was issued to-day after the con-
ference of N. Krassin with Premier
Lloyd. George and other British off :
cials:'
"a conference took place at 10 Down
ing Street this afternoon between the
Prime Minister, Andrew Bonar Law,
Lord Curzon. Foreign Secretary; Sir
Robert Horne, president of the Board
Of Trade, and Cecil B. Harmsworth,
Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs on
the one hand, and NM. Krassin and
Klisko on the other. A preliminary
discussion took place in regard to the
reopening OF trade relations between
Russia and western Europe"
Members Of the House Of Commons
are expected to quiz the government
on the ultimate purpose and progress
Of the negotiations.
Officially, there was not word given
out justifying the suggestions that
there was an intention to utilize these
discussions Of trade affairs for the
introduction of peace feelers, and in
#cll-informed Russian quarters this
evening the belief persists that it is
not likely that the subject will be
broadened.
The negotiations will involve politi-
cal as we'll as commercial matters, sew
eYal newspapers say.