The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-05-02
LENIN,s LAST STAND.

Inc Work OF completing the aimed
proposals 10 Russia was resumed at
Genoa this week, it is said, with the
promise Of more rapid Roadway than
heretofore. The last few days, it is
reported. have brought into evidence
a more harmonious spirit between the
British and French delegations de-
spite the continuing clashes between
Lloyd George and NJ. Barthou.
THE stage manager of the congress
at Genoa is Lloyd George. but the
star of the play is Russia" said the
New York Herald in a recent editor
iaI. THE five great nations which
framed the congress, talk about peace,
confidence. finance. credit. commerce
and industry. But in their minds is
Russia"
Lloyd Georges appearance before
the parliament on April 3 was de-
scribed by many as his great political
victory. The truth in the situation is,
however, says one commentators
Lloyd George saved himself by exc
cutting a striking retreat from the po-
sition he but recently occupied. While
every one expected that he would ap-
staunch supporter of peace with the
Bolsheviki almost at any price," he
proposed. as he himself said, "a mod
crate policy-a cautious policy The
British prime minister not only out
lined conditions for Bolshevist recog-
milton. which in spirit are similar to
those expressed in Secretary Hughes's
notes of March rs, 1921, and March s,
1922, but also made the statement
that he would present the agreement
with the Bolsheviki. if it be reached.
ito the house of commons for approx
al and ratification
Lloyd George was eloquent in ex
planning that Europe needs what Rus
STA can supply" On the other hand.
while emphasizing Russia's need for
capital, he made it clear that 'it will
not get capital without security, con-
fidence and peace, internal as well as
external" The British prime minister
explained further the conditions ION
which we can found peace" and those
are respect for private property, re-
spect for the rights of individuals, fair
play for those who make investments
in Russia, acknowledgment of honor
able debts incurred by people who put
their savings into Russian invest
ments." And what is still more sig
nifieant, he emphasized that the char
acter and extent of diplomatic repre-
sentation between Russia and Great
Britain depend not merely on the con-
ditions which Russia is prepared to
accept but upon the actual proof
which she can give of her good faith.
Let me say quite frankly" added
Mr. Lloyd George, that the way in
which some OF the more important
clauses of the trade agreement have
been violated has not been encourag-
ing" He stressed therefore the ad-
visibility of proceeding by steps"
even If an agreement with the Boil
sheviki be reached and ratified by the
house of commons. suggesting a pc
riod OF probation which it would be
wise to establish in the matter OF GER
emonial diplomatic representation IN
order to receive necessary guarantees
not merely on paper but in practice
that the Russian government intends
to honor the obligations of the treaty"
The Russian delegates realize that
they are making their last stand. The
bolshevist power is slipping. Unless
I it can make a good bargain with the
rest of the world it must fall