Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1921-03-26
Certain Steps Necessary Be-
fore Trade Relations
Resumed
NAMES 4 CONDITIONS
Bolsheviki Informed When Stipula-
tions Are Met by u. S.-Will En-
tcrtain Plea

Washington, March 26.--The Hard
ing Administration has rejected tht
proposal OF the soviet government G
Russia that negotiations be entera
into through Il mission to be d,s
patched 10 this country for a resunap
ton of trade relations between tint
two countries.
Announcement to th:s effect wa:
MADE by the Secretary of State Chas
F.. Hughes following a two-hour Dis
cuss:sn Of an Administration Russian
Policy by the Cabinet. The Hu%ha:
statement has been cahled to n;
American Consul at Reval, to be DE-.
livered to NJ. Litvinoff through whom
the soviet delivered the original pro-
posa! to this Government.
Sufficient evidence of Russia's re-
generation has not been received by
this Government to Justify any change
from, the general policy of the Will
son Administration toward the Boil
shevik regime. Mr.. Hughes very
candidly says as much to the Rus
sian people and to the world.
But the Secretary has not closed
the door in the face of Russia.->He in
vites thar nation to put its house in
order, and when this is accompl. shed
America win be ready to talk busi-
1.ass with it. Until evidence OF this IS
received, however, the United States
IS unable to perceive any proper
basis for considering trade relations.
This Government moreover does
more than deal in generalities. II lays
down four concrete conditions which
must be met before America is will
ing to resume trade relations with
Russia. There must be safety of life,
first;ithere must be sanctity OF con-
tract. second; firm guarantees of pri-
vate property next; and the right OF
free labor, finally.
At the outset Mr.. Hughes insists
that there is no assurance for the de-
velopment of trade between the two
countries. Russia would be unable to
get all the supplies she needs in .Ame-
t1npn Tim -
sent causes Of; progressive producti-
vity of Russia continue to operate.
Russia must begin to produce before
her people can stand alone again and
production can not be assured unit!
the four conditions Just outlined ~"
met.
1t is apparent from today's develop
ments that there is no bread differ
ence of opinion between Mr.. Hughes
and Secretary Hoover regarding Rus
s:a. The Harding Cabinet has MOI
split on :, Russian policy, as had been
suggested in many quarters a 1e"
DAYS ago. The Hughes statement OF
,oday AMI the Hoover statement OF
four days ago dealing with Russia
are in substantial accord.
Nor has the Harding Admin!stra'
ton found it desirable. at this stage
% depart from. the Russian policy o.
the Wilson administration, excep
perhaps 70 90 little further thar
Mr.. Wilson and Mr.. Colby went. Inc
former President laid down the gen
eval proposition that Russia must eS
tablish government that would %
serve n. sanctity Of treaties, woult
be representative Of the great mas:
Of the Rus sian people and would ceas'
al efforts to destroy orderly gov
ernments of other nations.
President Harding, through his Sec
retary of State, says nothing abou
Russia's foreign responsibilities or in
ternational conduct. but insists tina
she abandon the fundamental princi
pies Of communism oy recognizing pr
vate property. the sanctity Of con
tracts ard the rights of free labor.
If these vastly !mportane change
are made in the form Of Russ:a's q;
mestic government and convincir
evidence Of the change is received
- America. then the American Go
ernment Will negotiate With Russ
for a trade agreement. Until TIC
changes ere made, however, i "
be waste. of time to send miss;
to this country.