New-York tribune., 1921-03-25
Complete Data Prepared by
Hughes to Guide Discus
sion; Officials Reticent on
the Probable Decisions
20 Americans Prisoners
Release of Captives May Be
Insisted On Before So
Wet ENJOYS Are Admitted
From 7ne TriSu~s's Washington Buress


to send delegation to this country to
negotiate for the resumption of COM
mercial relations is expected 20 take
place at to-morrow's Cabinet meeting
Secretary of State Hughes has had
placed before him by the Russian
bureau of the State Department COM
plete information on the number Of
Americans who are being detained by
the Bolshevik authorities in Russian
prisons; and detailed data on the state
finances in Russia. with that govern
ment's ability to provide actual mar
kets for American goods, has been
Furnished for the Secretary's guidance.
The views of agents of the Depart
ment of Commerce who have been ac-
tive in investigating Russia's CONNER
cial resources, together with the pro-
nounced views as to the possibilities
of Russia from a trade standpoint as
announced recently by Secretary of
Commerce Hoover, also will be made
available for to-morrow's session.
Safety of Nationals First Problem
State Department officials were silent
to-day on the Russian trade overture.
No official was inclined to give any in
dication when the appeal of the Soviet
authorities would be responded to or
what character the reply would take.
It is known, however, that official at
tention first will be given to the plight
of American nationals in Russia, and
Secretary Hughes may elect to make
the safety of these hapless individuals
his first consideration in shaping his
answer to the message from Moscow.
Heretofore the American government
has resorted to the Red Cross and
similar relief organizations working In
Russia in taking steps in behalf of the
American prisoners there. Thus far
the Bolshevik authorities have per-
.sistently refused to be moved by these
indirect appeals from the American
&c vernment, holding to the view that
until the United States recognized the
Soviet scheme of government no recog-
milton could be given toward guar
aEteeing the safety of American ma
tionals within Russia.
More than twenty Americans are
known to be held prisoner in Russian
;ails. One official to-day said their
continued detention indicated that the
Soviet rulers, held them as hostages to
bring about favorable consideration
of the repeated overtures for political
recognition.
1t is not unlikely, therefore, that the
American reply TO the Soviet appeal
for trade resumption will be fiat de-
held captive in Russia before any def
mite answer can be given by this gov
ernment on the matter of receiving the
proposed trade commission. If the re-
lease of these Americans is authorized
this government will be given an evil
dence of the desire of the Bolshevik
rulers to renew cordial relations so far
as trade is concerned. II a refusal is
made to the. American demand, observ-
ers here believe that this government
will refuse to permit the trade ennis
saries to enter this country.
Pressure Brought by Shippers
There is known to have been strong
Department by American shippers for
some sort of arrangement with the
Bolshevik government that would pro-
vide more assurance to them that
financial transactions entered into
with Russian purchasers might be
guaranteed. The Wilson Administra-
tion, however, held to the view that
Soviet Russia must definitely abandon
all militaristic movements and seek to
compose the various factions within
that nation by establishment of CEN
trail government before any move that
might involve political recognition was
taken.
Whether the Harding Administration
will take . similar opinion Of the
future Of Russia as potential market
for American-made goods. of course.
cannot be forecast until further ex-
preston is received from the Moscow
Foreign Office on the question Of its
future policy.
Senator'S France, Of Maryland, and
Borah, of Idaho, in interviews to-day
declared in favor of resumption of
Russian trade. Varying views were
expressed by others.
Senator Pomerene, Of Ohio, a lead
ing Democrat, thought much depended
on the facts presented.
8. Senator Watson, of Indiana. Repub-
lican, said: "The resumption Of trade
relations with Russia depends on tho
terms offered. I would be glad to see
trade open between this country and
Russia. IT. would be for the benefit of
both countries. am in favor Of an
matter"
Colt Favors Proposition
Senator Colt, of Rhode Island, Re-
publican, said: "If Lenine and Trotzky
nave seen the error of their way,
resumption of trade with Russia may
De possible. ! am strongly in favor
oI trying out any reasonable PROPOSE
sion that may be submitted. always
nave contended that a Soviet govern
ment cannot live. Hence it is probable
tnat the abandonment of communism
IN Russia is permanent. If Europe
Is trading with Russia, we might as
Of it,
senator Swanson. Of Virginia, Demo-
crat, said: II believe that we should
near what the Russian government has
70 say. It cannot possibly do any
harm, and it might result in much
benefit to both countries"
Senator Capper, of Kansas, Republi-
can, said: II am in favor of resuminr
trade relations with Russia if any
proper basis for the arrangement can
be made. We must not be behind
other countries in this matter. 1t is.
only fair to discuss the matter with
the Russian government and ascertain
what proposition is submitted. 1t is
probable that q satisfactory agreement
IAN be reached"
Secretary Mellon was asked. about
he policy the United States Treasury
rould take with regard to Bolshevik
sold bearing the mint mark Of Sweden,
which, according to cabled reports, is
low on the way to this country.
"That is really matter of state
0 be dealt with by that department"