New-York tribune., 1922-04-09
Shift in American Policy
Possible if Russia Con.
cedes Demands Likely
10 Be Made at Genoa
Sees Chance for
Land Disarmino
Advantage of Relieving
Peasants From Support.
ing Army Appreciated
By Carter Field

WASHINGTON, April s.-The United
Ststes may recognize Soviet Russia. it
was learned on the best authority. if
the developments at the Genoa eco
nomlc conference work out satisfac-
torily
1t is known that President Harding.
while he has undergone no change Of
heart with regard to Russia, probably
Is more interested in the question of
arms limitation, both land and water,
than in any other one thing. He takes
more pride in the achievements Of the
Washington conference than in any
other event since he entered public
life, and implicitly believes that the
Washington conference set an exam
pie to the world which will be FOL
lowed in the way of bringing about
reductions OF armaments, and the taxes
which flow from them, by international
grcements.
Tho President, therefore, has been
tremendously interested in the pro-
posal of terms by Lloyd George on
which Russia might not only be
brought into the conference at Genoa,
but might be recognized, Ii the Brit
ish Premier's conditions are met by
Russia and the Soviet army is cut
down to mere fraction of its present
strength, the results will affect almost
every country in the world, directly or
Indirectly.
Excuse for French Militarism
In the first place it is the menace Of
this huge Russian army which gives
France one Of her two excuses Tor also
maintaining a large army--an army,
incidentally, the size of which has been
steadily deplored by British Leaders,
and the leaders Of virtually every other
country in Europe, but notably Italy
There will remain for France the ex-
cuse OF the German menace. and until
something is done about this it is not
probable that much progress will be
made in the direction. for instance, Of
abolishing conscription. However, with
the Russian menace removed, and an
improved situation with regard to Ger
many, which at any rate may be hoped
for, il is probable that France may
consent to reduce her army below its
present size.
Another effect Of the consent Of
Russia 70 dcmobilizc half or more Of
her army would be that it would re-
lease that many moro Russians for
employment of a character which would
haze economic value, and every expert
who has studied the situation expresses
the view that the chief trouble with
Russia at present, and for some time
past, has been that almost no che is
willing to do any work. 1t is thought
that it the burden OF feeding and cloth
ing an army should be removed from
the backs of the Russian peasants, a
greater will to worl.' might result
among the civilians
Discussed by Cabinet
This whole situation, with particular
regard TO the conditions of participa
tion in the Genoa economic conference
and Of recognition Of Russia laid down
by Lloyd George, was discussed at
length at the Cabinet meeting yester-
day, the President showing that he was
much impress By the possibilities
suggested should Russia comply in
good faith with these terms
1t was also learned to-day that the
With q visitor afterward, said that any
possibility of recognition by the gov
ernment Of Soviet Russia would have
to wait on the Developments Of the
Genoa economic conference.
1t is asserted. however, that both
Secretary of State Hughes and Secre-
tary of Commerce Hoover are still Wig
orousy opposed to recognition of Rus
sia: The President, despite this oppo-
sition, showed at the Cabinet meeting
and afterward that he was not willing
to close the door, and that actually he
was awaiting the events at Genoa with
the keenest interest
Ambassador Bakhmeteff, the ac-
credited Russian envoy who was sent
to this country by the administration
Immediately succeeding the Car, and
VINO was later confirmed here by Keren-
sky. who obtained power while Bakh-
nlete1 was on the water, is strongly
urging that Lenine and Trotzky should
not be recognized under any cir
cumstances.
The British confess with absolute
frankness that they are being driven in
this situation by the pressing need for
markets for their manufactured goods,
the unemployment situation in Eng
land at the moment being, according
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