Evening star., 1921-03-26
Pressure Upon Administra-
ton for Immediate Relations
Also May Be Halted.
RUSSIA HAS NO GOODS
TO ENGAGE IN TRADE
Situation Expected to Remain
Status Quo Until Slav Nation
Puts House in Order.
BY n. o. MESSENGER.

The administrators reply to the
petition of the all-Russian committee
for establishment of trade relations
with the United States was about as
forecast-refusal, for the present, on
the ground that a condition precedent
must be assurance of fundamental
changes in the existing system in
Russia, involving due regard for per-
sons and property. Such was the
political phase of this governments
refusal, quite sufficient in itself for all
purposes.
But throughout the answer Of the
State Department to the petition ran
the thread Of the material reason for
declining the proposal-namely, con-
viction that Russia does not at pres
ent possess nor under-existing con-
ditions can hope to produce commodi-
ties promising a considerable body of
purchase or exchange. Without this
material basis for relations between
the two countries, communication
would result only in opening the door
for intercourse which might prove
detrimental to the United States politi
caliy.
Not Enough for Herself.
The State Department pointed out
that it is manifest to this govern
ment that in existing circumstances
there is no assurance for the develop
ment Of trade. as supplies which Rus
sia might now be able to obtain would
be wholly inadequate to meet her
needs. and no lasting good can result
SO long as the present causes of the
progressive impoverishment continue
to operate"
This answer is expected to stop the
pressure upon Congress and the ad
ministration from. two sources-the
business men who want to make
money and the class who assert the
altruistic contention that the best
way to help Russia politically, and
toward relief from the specter OF boil
shevism, would be to make her pros
porous and put her into contact with
the outside world.
If these two classes of proponents
of trade with soviet Russia are con-
WINGED by all the developments that
Russia cannot deliver the goods" be-
cause she does not possess and cannot
produce them. it Is held that further
allowed to go on until such time as
the condition precedent to resumption
of Intercourse is established.
See Drive at Lenin.
1t is thought in official circles here
that the effect Of the downright re-
fusal of the United States tb assent to
the proposal Of the soviet government
WALL tend to increase the instability of
the position of Lenin and his COL
leagues. and to encourage further ef-
forts of the Russians to throw off the
yoke Of bolshevism and sovietism.
The answer of the department is
construed to be a strong hint to the
Russian people that they must work
out their own salvation. and must
commence at home to put their house
in order before going a-visiting and
seeking friends in and assistance from
the outside world.
1t is noted that the alleged change
of heart manifested by Lenin in his
offers of reforms to the tenth COM
munist congress came at a time when
all Russia was showing signs of re-
volt against the existing regime.
1t Is true that he has succeeded in
the first essay at putting down revo-
luton, by sheer weight Of numbers
and blood measures. but it is not
thought here that the Russians will
be content to cease efforts to free
Themselves. after this most pointed
reputation of the soviet system by
the country toward which ali Russians
are supposed to look as the most sym
pathetic nation.