New-York tribune., 1921-12-28
WhiteHouseSays Resump-
ton of Commerce With
Soviet Russia Is Near.
And Harding Is Hopeful
Good Will Built Up
By Famine Relief
Bolshevik Envoy to Buy
Grain With TO Million
OF Old Imperial Gold

WASHINGTON, Dec. Exchanges in
soriet governmental policies, recently
made or indicated as in prospect. may
eventually bring about resumption of
trade relations between Russia and the
United States, it was said to-day at
.hc White House.
The estimates recently submitted to
Congress By the Administration, it was
recalled to-day in other quarters, called
Tor an appropriation for the salaries
Q; two trade commissioners and one
clerk in Russia. Department of Com
nerce officials however, have explained
that while there was no immediate in
steution OF sending commercial repre-
gentatives to that country, the depart
rent, III submitting its estimate for
thc next fiscal year, was merely pre-
psrirg itself to meet any possible de-
yclopments along that line.
Harding Is Hopeful
President Harding believes progress
IS III The making in Russia, but it is
500 carly to tell definitely what effect
abandonment Of ultra radical Bolshevik
dcctrines will ultimately have upon the
American attitude toward Russia.
fhe work Of the American Relief Ad-
rinistraticn IL feeding starving chill
dren in the Volga regions has served
10 give administration officials new
insight into Russian conditions, and
'So latest review from the Commerce
apartment say conditions are in
ate OF Aux and ii is not possible now
70 foretcil ho~ they will shape them
clvcs
! change in tho attitude Of the
american government, however. al
ready is noted because permission has
been granted 10 Soviet representa-
tive 10 enter the United States to buv
g7aln with the remaining $4,000 600
pn1lcdged Russian gold taken from 1he
iogner imperial treasury.
Inc agreement to do this was reached
between the Soviet authorities and rep
lesentatlyes OF the American Relief
'a..Mllnistration. The food purchased
VII be distributed in conjunction with
gee Szo0oUcC0 worth to be bought by
ne United States to feed children and
aallts and provide a supply of seed
gfsh 1of spring. The Russians in
sneir new economic program. which is
. FadIca! departure from the former
extreme bolshevist scheme, have made
concessions TO foreign corporations.
eat the latest advices are to the eff
iect mat such large rentals and other
axes are imposed that foreigners can
net undertake to operate because there
would he no profits.
Awaiting Further Proof
The question of restoring trade re-
iatlons With Russia repeatedly has
peen urged. but the Administration
Nlli take no step in that direction
untll further assurances arc piven
ana there Is more complete demonstra-
uon that these guarantees will be car
risd out.
The experience of the relief admin
r'rauon, of which Secretary Of Com
merce Hoover is chairman, hass given
'nis government considerable informa-
puh about Russia that it did not have
oslofe % TINS work was taken up. The
apminlstration demanded certain
guarantees. and in the main all stipula-
IONS have been lived up to by the
Hassian Soviet authorities.
II Is true that at times there has
neen grudging cooperation because
sne ala from capitalist country was
Inspected but the Russian officials
save not thwarted the relief admins
lauon, in all essential particulars
nave kept faith with the administra-
sloh and at times have given unselfish
cooperation. q =
u.ii Inc decision to have the balance of
soto ~. 1aken from the imperial treasury
'e' ASIDE for relief purposes is con-
Continued on page three)