New-York tribune., 1921-12-27
Soviet Indorses
Leni1le's World
Trade Program,
Communist Support Given
Reluctantly, Because No
Alternative Policy Has
Been Devised by Leaders
us. Relief Complimented
Resolution of Thanks SAYS
America Has Aided More
Than Any Other Agency

|
| Soviet Congress to-day approved the
new Soviet economic policy as outlined
before that gathering yesterday by
Premier Nikolai Leninc. This approval
was given by accepting Premier Lenne's
address, which was presented as the
report Of the Council OF Commissars
on the domestic and foreign policies of
the Soviet government.
The congress indorsed resolution
Of thanks to Dr. Fridtjof Nansen and
the American Relief Administration for
recent famine relief in Russia. The
resolution especially mentioned the
Relief Administration as having helped
more than any other foreign organiza-
ton
Although the congress accepted the
new economic policy, acceptance was
given grudgingly by large faction of
the Communists who dislike the gov
ernment's change to capitalistc meth
DDS. One reason why the Communists
accepted IL at all, it was pointed out in
some quarters, was because they had
no alternative plan to offer. Although
these delegates detcst the terms
money" "capitalism" and trusts"
they grudgingiy accepted their leaders,
apologies that the economic change
was only temporary and necessary for
the ultimate construction of a real
communistic government.
Confidence in Council Nanes
Confidence is not general among the
Communists in the Supreme Economic
Council. Their prejudice appears to be
directed against it rather than against
the governments general policy. M.
Bogdanon, chairman of the Economic
Council. and Leonid krassin. the
Soviet trade representative. apparently
are not popular with the communistjc
masses, and failure to interest foreign
seekers OF concessions in leases and to
| get the industries going is charged
against them. Moreover, they are re-
garded IN labor circles as being indif-
aerent to the workmen's interests.
There is much clamor that trusts.
whether under the Russian government
or under the management Of foreign
ers, viii work hardships on the work
man. Furthermore, the Iaborers are
discontented on account of their claim
| that Soviet naturalization has not
| wiped out the bourgeoisie.
IN ms address to the congress Pre-
mler Lenlne defended the governments
economic policy and mercilessly at
sacked It's critics, especially the trade
union men, who, he declared, desired
to continue to manage the Industries
re said men who had demonstrated no
ablllty to manage industries were de-
mandlng to be retained in control He
challenged them to show qualifications
to buy supplies and keep factories
golng rather than to write resolutions,
Learning to trade" he continued.
rs difficult. 1t is not like oratory, but
we have TO learn it He declared he
hated dealing with traders who de-
manded 100 per cent profit, but said it
must be done. Raw materials must be
eollected and bought at any cost from
snarp traders, and business must be re-
vlved. But, he added, it was only by
struggling ten or fifteen years with
sharp Traders that the Communist
workmen would learn how to trade.
Limit ON Secret Service
Premier Lenine said the Cheks ths
Soviet secret service, hereafter would
contine itself to political affairs. and
would be greatly limited in scope, as
Its necessity decreased with the firm
establishment of Soviet power. He de-
ciared Russia's position among the ma
tons had become thoroughly estab-
l1shed, despite the failure of the great
powers to recognize the Soviet regime.
Ihe foreign capitalists, he asserted.
had demonstrated their willingness to
trade with Russia. He was extremely
Optimistic over the trade outlook, and
and workmen more closely through free
domestic trade had been highly sue
cessiul. The brief time this arrange
ment had been in force showed that the
government was on the right track tow
ard the establishment of economic
solidarity.
In announcing Russia's acceptance Of
the American Relief Administrations
propose to give Russia s20,O00. 600
worth OF grain on condition that Rus
Sla buy Sl0,000,000 more in America.
rremler Lenlne to-da estimated that
this total of S3O,000,OOO would buv
about 30,000,0Oo pools of grain. (This
is approximately 100000 bushels.)
Inc Premier said this would greatly
help the famine situation in the Volga
district, but declared the Soviet gov
eminent must continue to exert every
effort to collect its full grain lew
lie said it would require $4,000, 900
pools more from abroad to bring the
total average before next harvest to
215,000,000 poods, which was Is. 600 900
pools below the minimum necessary to
carry Russia through the famine crisis
The sessions of the congress are be-.
ing held i'll the Moscow Opera House
which was crowded with ,952 delegates
and 200 other part leaders and sbec
tators, including Major Loneryan, rem
resenting the American Relief Admin
lstration, and many other foreigners
The main floor Of the theater was an
tireiy filled with delegates. mostly
| workmen dressed in furs, who kept on
their fur caps throughout the proceed
lngs, presenting the appearance of ~
gathering Of frontiersmen, CONTRASTING
with the brilliantly lighted and cold
| decorated auditorium.
M. kalenin, the elected chairman. and
his executive committee of thirty-two
members, including Premier Lenine and
Leon Trotzy, the War Minister, occu-
pied seats of honor around a red table.
Mititorism Defended
BvFyench WomQu Red
ID