South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-03-25
other Editors Than Ours
THE BRITISH-RUSSO TREATY.
dearborn independently

The document signed by representatives of Great
Britain side and OF soviet Russia the
other March 16 is not called treaty. 1t is diplo-
matcaly referred 10 trade agreement" SUI
stantially, are told, it is the the droft
taken from London to Moscow by Leonid Krassin,
soviet minister of trade and commerce. in January
last. While its provisions deal chiefly with a re-
sumption of trade between the two countries the
agreement is a compelling illustration Of the far
reaching scope of all agreements in regard
national trade So 1t is actually treaty and in
which the clauses incidental to providing those of
chief importance.
Many people who have all along clearly recog-
nized the perils Of bolshevism, and who have not
hestated to express horror at the mere suggestion
that British government should grasp the bloody
hs nd" of the bO1shevist usurpers. will condemn
treaty a gross surrender OF PRINCIPLE and a de-
hberate sanction OF terrorism and massacre There
is something be said for this view, but IT must
also be admitted that the humbling OF pride is not
side In exchange for it's virtual rec0g-
milton Of the de facto government Of Russia Britain
has excited certain substantial advantages for her
self and for the of the world
Under the treaty. Britain will in large measure
pacate radical labor element and the trad
ing class For the latter, it insuTes the first oppor
tunity for profitable trade with population more
than 100 millions. But IL also the clearing Of
mines from the Baltic and approaches to Russia,
ending of the blockade sides,
pledges against its renewal The soviet government
particularly to refrain from any encourage
ment OF Asiatc peoples to action against British
interests especially in Asia Minor Persia Afghanis-
and India. As the spread of bolshevst influence
IN the east and the far east is regarded just
of the most serious meaaces to world
peace this provision must be considered broadly
Of much more than British national interest So also
the provisions for the renewal OF POSTAL and tele
graphic communications
For ali the world. most decidedly, an advantage
gained the -STeaty's provisions binding each
party 10 refrain from hostile action or propaganda
outside borders against the others insti-
tutions giving assistance announcement to
any such propaganda outside It's own borders II
may taken for granted that propaganda against
British institution includes propaganda against
American OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES democratic institu-
tions anywhere. AT any rate it opens the way for
similar agreements with the United States France
end the Scandinavian countries, we'll with the
latin American republics.
French opinion is said to regard the agreement
as unworkable IN view OF the present revolt in Rus
STA and Russias shortage of exportable stocks, and
10 be averse entering into any similar agreement
until soviet Russia recognizes the old Czarst debts.
But as the treaty would stand II the soviet regime
that its early overthrow is predetermined Britains
France and the United States as tme-savns.
enines cynicaly avowed disregard for the sanctlty
OF promises pledges was given by Wilson
as sufficient reason fer refusal to negotiate with his
government BIT in the state OF information
al ethics perhaps self-interest is nconsiderable
guaranty OF good faith From the humane viewpoint.
Ct course big thing made possible by the treaty
Is that IL makes possible the feeding Of millions Of
human beings the edge OF starvation prob
ably ayerting famine as appalling that in China.
with even an approach economic rehabilitation,
the bolshevist horror Will be most surely under
mined.