Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-03-24
PLEAOF SOVIET
.FOR u. S. PACT
NOT SPEEDED
Washington Moves Cautiously
on Appeal to Re-establish
Trade Relations.
CABINET VIEWS DIVIDED

WASHINGTON. March 24.-The new
Administration is going to take it's time
In answering soviet Russia's appeal for
a re-estabIishment OF trade relations, 1t
was strongly indicated today in official
circles. Having got along without COM
years. no particular need for hurry in
announcing a Russian policy is felt by
chose now in command in Washington.
The question of a Russian policy oc-
cupied considerable time at Tuesdays
Cabiust meeting and in all probability
will Be taken up again by President
HARD ng and his advisers at tomorrow's
regular session. At least, it was indicat-
ed today, no reply will be dispatched
to Moscow until the Cabinet has an OPP
portunity TO fully examine the commu-
nication and leaders in the House and
Senate have been sounded out.
There is little indication Of what trend
the American reply viii take. But what
little there is seems to point to the Mos
COW appeal being given what might he
termed every favorable consideration"
The most immediate result of the soviet
communication has tended to increase the
pressure that is being brought from
many quarters for a resumption Of trade
relations, az least, in name. Labor or
ganizatiOns are nearly unanimous in IA
voring such a policy. A number Of
Western and mid Western Congressman
also believe the soviet offer should be ac-
cepted, for they see in Russian markets
an outlet for the grains and produce Of
the great farm belts which are now stag
nant in the available markets Of the
world.
SENATE PROGRESsIVES
FAVOR RUSS TRADE.
The so-called prOgressives in the Sen.
ate are stanchly in favor Of dealing with
Russia Senator William E. Borah Of
Idaho introduced q resolution to this et-
feet, which failed Of passage In the last
session. Unless there is favorable action
by the Administration in the meantime,
he intends to reintroduce it in the neT
session next month.
The most powerful factor In shaping
the new policy viii be purely economic,
It is believed. If the new Congress passes
q high protective tariff early in the next
session, as now appears inevitable, 1t is
going to have a far-reaehing effect upon
popularity of American products in the
markets Of the world. America may need
all the outlet obtainable for her goods,
~ rticularly if the American tariff leads
tS>retaliatory action on the part Of some
c. her best customers, like Argentina.
LENIN COMES
HALF Way
The recent conversion" of Lenln and
his associates to The extent that they
are sacrificing some of their most radical
communistic principles, also is factor
which will make the Moscow proposal a
bit easier to swallow 1t was held TO
be significant by some that the State De
partment FASTENED to make public the
proof of this conversion even before max
ing public the text of the soviet appeal.
To friends Of Russia, this savOred Of
''greasing the ways" for Russian recog-
milton.
There apparently is a divergence of
opinion among members Of the Cabinet
and students Of Russian affairs gener-
ally on the value Of an economic agree
ment with Russia. Herbert Hoover
frankly does not believe that such an
agreement would prove very valuable
economically to the United States. He
holds that Russia has nothing to ex-
port because her productive facilities
have been paralyzed for four years and
that she has little money with which to
make purchases in the markets of the
world.
Others-and some Of them are members
Of the Harding Cabinet-dO not agree
\ v.ifh the former food administrator. They
&C Russia as a vast depository Of min
keral and vegetable wealth which only
DEEDS the magical touch of exploitation
nd development to enrich those who get
&in on the ground floor.
There is little official Indication Of what
the Harding Administration plans to do
regarding Russia. but it is believed that
Lenin's latest appeal has a decidedly
more favorable chance OF getting some
where than any he has made hitherto.