Evening star., 1922-04-10
Soviet's Preparatious,

LONDON.-The Observers Moscow
correspondent states that soviet
diplomacy has definitely taken the
offensive. with the ostensible objec-
tive of smoothing the way for Genoa
and the real aim of an understanding
with France and Germany before
Genoa: The soviets are devotees OF
open diplomacy, but are afraid to ap-
pear at Genoa unprepared. They are
eager to "rehearse" the delicate mat
ter to be discussed at the conference.
The Berlin soviet journal-the chief
organ of the diplomatic offensive,
which is publishing series of highly
authoritative articles obviously in
spired from Moscow-says: Even
with great dramatic actors like
George and Poincare, the silent Rus
sian amateurs will play better if the
roles are divided in advance and the
principal words learned by heart"
Soviet diplomacy is confident that
the easiest way to allay Frances fears
is by direct negotiations with the
soviet government. "A Franco Rus
sian agreement cannot create devoted
friends. but it can smooth over many
vances of the Berlin Soviet Journal to
France are inspired from high Mos
COW quarters is best seen from the
sudden change in tone of the IzvestIa,
which made it specially to meet the
SANDER of the French boulevard press
toward Russia with abuse and sheer
ing derision. A well considered ar
ticle in the Izvestia says: IF it is
true that leading French bourgeoise
circles are ready to negotiate with
the soviet government, but independ-
emily without outside pressure, an
parties the maximum of satisfaction"
Here, again, France is plainly IN
vited to negotiate directly. and prom
ised favors of nature undisclosed.
Whether these articles are intended
simply to test French public opinion
or aim at preparing the Russian pub
lie for negotiations already taking
place it Is difficult to judge yet. The
indications are that the situation has
progressed beyond mere newspaper
talk. While an understanding with
! France is desired chiefly for political
many are mainly economic. 1t is hoped
that Germany will refuse to become a
party to the "consortium'-a scheme
which is commonly nicknamed the
Russia East Indian Company" So
Wet diplomacy is straining every
ticipation in a joint association to
exploit Russia is sure to strangle not
only Russia, but Germany as well.
However, Germany is evidently still
undecided. The soviet press Is COM
planning that Rathenau and SHINES
| sortium" project. Still, despite indis-
putable nervousness. the belief that
an understanding with Germany ia
certain is general
Isn't April sweet, now and then, not
| to say here and there?-Toledo Blade.
Man with eleven wives may be in
sane" 1t sounds darned reasonable.
Hartford Times.
Many a clerk who puts in the day
billing spends the evening cooling.
Peoria Transcript.
The slogan seems to have changed
from votes for women to smokes for
women.-Syracuse Herald.
Whenever capital and labor wrestle,
prices come out on top.-Greenville
Is. Co. Piedmont.
Listening to the story of the coal
operators almost brings a lump to
ones throat-not to ones bin.-De-
troit News.
Mary Garden cried when two gov
ernors kissed her Considering the
average governor, Mary can't be
blamed.-Tampa Times.
Jordan & Over are bridge builders
in Winnipeg. If they can only get a
celestial franchise they'll put Charon
out of business.-Schenecta Gazette.
zone Car Knocks Him Down; Other
| Runs Over Him"-Headline Great
Scott! Are they hunting in pairs now?
Buffalo Express.
world conditions. and not the
packers. control hog prices" declares
matters good deal. Those who wish
to correct stock prices have only TO
change the world conditions. For a
| while it looked as IL the job would
tbe to manipulate the packers.--Kan-
cas rifv Rfap -. =.