New-York tribune., 1920-01-18
British Labor
Applauds Rift
In Soviet Ban
influence of Party Is Said
10 Have Induced Lloyd
George 10 Insist That the
Blockade Be Weakened
Shift in Policy Feared
Hint Given That Churchill
Party Yet May Succeed
ir Overturning Decision
.Nep York Tyi6une
European Eaycou

6aFUPeuN 0o'cob
.sspyrish.. lssa New Yors Tribune Iac)
1oNpON, Jan 17.-Dispatches from
p,r;s to-day telling of the Allies in
..o.;on TO raise the blockade which
has been maintained around Russia for
.ro wears come as confirmation of
a;.patches sent exclusively to The
vr;bune on December 80 at the time
French and Italian representatives
,,met here 10 confer with Premier
r,ord George and members Of the
British Cabinet.
At that time, as The Tribune cor
respondent stated, despite official. de-
,iats later it was determined that the
blockade must be raised. The situa.
ton needed only the weight of British
influence to overcome the stern but
Weakening opposition of Premier
Clemenceau. 20 decide the issue and
bring the Allies to position of defin-
i,e announcement of policy toward
Russia.
Labor Influence Felt
The French press now raises an out
cry against Mr.. Lloyd George, assert
iry that the decision is the doing of
he British Prime Minister. The
French were never nearer right. 1t
vas Mr.. Lloyd Georges attitude which
decided the issue-for Lloyd George
was making a bid for Labor's support
in this country, and labor is unques-
.ionably solid behind the proposition
% raise the blockade.
Of course, the Allied powers, through
their representatives in Paris, have
found it necessary to screen their de-
termination behind the renewed in
ordinations against the Bolsheviki,
and thus they have confused the issue
50 much that the British Labor party
issued manifesto of warning.
Upon INQUIRY at Labor headquarters
The Tribune correspondent learned
that the statement was issued because
il was feared that the Allies at the last
moment might repent of their decision
snd, turning about, renew their war
fare on Soviet Russia. Labor here
shows great satisfaction in the turn
Ct events. but expresses considerable
uneasiness over the possibility that
the group headed by Winston Chur-
chill, Minister of War, still a powerful
factor in the situation, NAV overrule
the Premier and commit this country
20 fresh warfare
Paris Predicts Offensive
The reactionarv section of the
French press confidently declares thi;
IS what Will happen and says the mill
iary leaders are now gathered in Paris
for this express purpose; namely, lay,
ing plans for military action against
Russia.
Announcement of the Allies inten-
ten TO raise the blockade carae as a
distinct surprise to the reactionary
section of the British public, which
has been conducting campaign
against compromise with the Soviets
for months.
The EorthcIiffe press had inside in
formation as to what mioht be ex-
H,ected 70 hsn?en IN Paris, and yester-
day 1Thc Times" THE Mail" and
with scare" headlines of Bolshevik
eutrases and menacinc plans which
they said the Bolshevik intended to
carry out
PARIS. Jan. 1.-THE Prime Min
isters Of the Allies. it appears, were
not in entire accord respecting the
decisions yesterday upon a limited
opening OF trade with Russia.
Premier Lloyd George proposed the
measure, seemingly, to conciliate the
labor forces of England. Premier
NTH supported Mr.. Lloyd George, ex-
planning that the decision would have
= = good effect upon political opinion in
isaiy, where good deal of Bolshevik
ssatatlon is reported. Premier Glenn
eneeau opposed any dealings with Boil
snevik Russia, but finally said, wearily,
NAT ne would agree to such measure
81 !rade as that finally announced. He
insisted, however, upon writing the
aaai .n paragraph, affirming that the
a'sles mad not changed their attitude
oward the Soviets. NJ. Clemenceau
..so remarked that he would soon be
'as Of the Supreme Council, anyway.
Lloyd George Optimistic
me discussion over the spread OF
armed bolshevIsn, in the Near and Far
aSs. Is nov said to be due to un-
Smeiat miat conversations held in the War
oaee at London. Mr.. Lloyd George
.ao sarious members of his encourage
T. eSris, when questioned, as they
ave been frequently since the change
pans has been made, have replied
ss,s = On Optimistic vein, indicating their
J..,ei that the situation was not az
as as.A as would appear from the i'm
onsssions nMsn given by the London War
..s. .s,assaal toch has long had the idea
s Inc best counterpoise to the
saso soviet would be an international