Evening star., 1923-07-23
American Self-Defense.

Secretary Hughes letter 10 Samuel
Gonrpcrs restating the reason why the
United States should not extend recog-
milton to the Russian government is
apparently induced by the revival of
the question by returning American
statesmen who have recently visited
the land of the soviet. Despite the fact
that these visitors are carefully shep-
herdcd in their Russian tour. can see
only that which the commissars wish
them TO see, and are, therefore. in no
position to judge Of conditions in gem
eral. they persist in their recommends
tion that the United States recognize
the government at Moscow as a going
concern.
In his letter to Mr.. Gompers, who
has recently in a pointed manner
called attention to the inadequacy of
these American inquiries into Russian
affairs, Mr.. Hughes states the case in
plain, clear terms. Reduced to its final
analysis the Secretary's statement is
that he cannot rightfully recognize the
Russian regime because it is inimical
10 American institutions is seeking
their subversion through revolution
and is Il menace to the peace and
stability Of the world
With the peculiar domestic institu-
tions in Russia which are abhorrent
TO American judgment this govern
!nent would have no concern in the
matter of extending recognition were
il not for the fact that at Moscow. I'M
der the very auspices OF the soviet
administration, is seated Il powerful
organization that is frankly working
to overturn this with other govern
ments. to make them like the bolshe-
vik rule in Russia.
In support of this point. Secretary
Hughes quotes from recent declara-
lions and speeches by three of the
readers Of the soviet-Lenin. Trotsky
and Zinoviet. Last fail. before the
congress of the third internationale.
Lenin said
The revoIutioniStS Of all countries
must learn the origin, the planning.
the method and the substance of revo-
'
the outlook Of the world revolution
VIII not be good, bur excellent.
Last October Trutsiir. addressing
the nth congress of the Russian com
munist youths al Moscow, said:
Revolution is coming in Europe. az
well as in America. systematically,
step by step StubbUTniy and with
snashing OF teeth in both camps. 1t
VIII be long protractcd. cruel and
sanguinary.
Last November Zinoviet said:
The eternal in the Russian revolt
tion is the fact that ii is the begin
ming of the world revolution.
MIR. Hughes notes that these words,
rs it is urged by advocates of Russian
recognition, are but those of individ-
uals speaking as such and not as Of
ticials. But the fact is that they are
officials of the soviet government, that
they are as officials directly engaged
in the propaganda of revolution they
have thus publicly preached. He does
not state in his letter. but it is q fact
that from Moscow. from the third inter
rationale, which. in effect, is the Rus
sian government, come funds to this
Country for the fomen.ng of a revolu-
iioilary spirit in the United States, for
The maintenance of radical organiZa-
tion, for continuing the process OF
',,boring from within in the labor
unions to win the American working
men, or to trick them into revolution
airy radicalism.
Self-defense is the primary reason
for refusing to extend to the soviet
Organization at Moscow recognition as
an; international factor. There are
other reasons, good and substantial.
but that one is sufficient. and Mr.
hughes statement of it should con-
vince all Americans who remain un
certain on this point.