The New York herald., 1922-05-02
Tells Peace Society Recon-
structiOn Should Precede
Recognition by U. S.
SOVIET METHODS A BAR
America Anxious to Give Aid
When Nations House Is
Put i'm Order

WASHINGTON, May 1.-Tte American
Government stands unshaken in its
determination that Russia must put
her own house in order before she can
expect political recognition by tine
United States.
Making his first statement of policy
regarding Russian affairs since the
subject came to the fore at Genoa,
Secretary Hughes to-day told delega-
ton of women at the State Department
tEat before any outside Power could
resume full relations with Russia she
must herself adopt policy of sound
internal reconstruction. He added
that the American people were anx-
ious 10 do all they could. but would
not attempt TO extend credit where
there was no sound basis for credit.
No particular form OF government
was cited as desirable or undesirable by
the Secretary. nor did he mention any
OF the developments which have influ-
enced the fortunes of tie Soviet since
the Genoa conference began.
The delegation to which the Secretary
addressed his pronouncement repre-
sented the International League for
Peace and Freedom and had brought to
the State Department petition for full
political recognition of the Soviet re-
gime.
Secretary Hughes's reply follows:
1T Is hardly necessary to refer TO the
concern that We all feel with respect 10
the welfare of the people OF Russia.
Our interest in the people OF Russia has
been manifested in the most unmistak-
able manner and ] do not think that II
requires any statement at this time 20
indicate how ANXIOUS we are for the full
restoration OF The economic power OF
the Russian people and for their we'll
being in every way.
There is no disposition TO interfere
with the Russian people In working out
their own destiny. There Is no desire
to interfere in their internal affairs
The principle that is involved Is one
that we cherish here. IT'S application
has been somewhat complicated by the
organized efforts on the part OF the
Soviet regime to interfere in the do
mestic affairs OF other peoples.
with respect to Intercourse, IL Is
quite evident that you are under a
serious misapprehension. There are no
legal obstacles to trade with Russia
The obstacles that exist TO trade with
Russia are due 10 the situation in Rus
sis. which is in the control of those who
dominate the affairs OF Russia. Some
time ago pointed out the essential con-
ditions for return to productivity in
Russia. That was not a formula. that
was not an artificial conception. that
was simply statement Of fact.
Russia needs credit. but IL is idle to
expect credit unless there IL a basis for
credit That basis for credit cannot be
supplied from the outside That basis
for credit has got TO be supplied inside
OF Russia.
Political recognition follows the es-
tablishment OF sound basis for inter-
course. Political recognition Is depend
ent upon the existence Of a Government
that Is competent to discharge and
shows a disposition to discharge its
international obligations This whole
matter is in the control of those who
dominate the affairs Of Russia. We are
most desirous TO do what we can 10
aid in Russia's recuperation. but they
must establish the basis for such re-
cuperation.'