Evening star., 1923-12-22
Soviet Denials.

SOfISI oSuIo2os
Tchitcherin. foreign minister of the
soviet government, has. as was eX-
pected here, denied the authenticity of
the documents made public by Secre-
tary Hughes to show the connection
between the Moscow government and
the third internationale. and also TO
show the propaganda activity of the
latter in the direction of destroying
the foundations of the American gov
eminent. He quotes Zinovieff, presi-
dent of the third communist interna-
tionale, and Steckloff, editor Of lives
tia, reputed to be the official organ of
the soviet government, who "emphati-
Cally declare the documents are un.
nlitigated torgeries." Tchitcherin
challenges Mr.. Hughes, failing their
unconditional withdrawal, to produce
them before any impartial court of
arbitration jointly agreed upon. Fail
ing 10 do this, Mr.. Hughes will show
the whole world that he has conscious
Iy made himself instrumental in pub
fishing and broadcasting forged docu-
ments. 1t is up to Mr.. Hughes to ac-
quit himself upon the accusations
against him"
This is precisely what it was thought
would happen. II is true to the soviet
policy of denial and counter accusa-
ton. 1t was foreshadowed in speeches
made in the Senate by American be-
levers in and supporters of the soviet
government, one Of whom declares
that not for three years has that gov
ernment had anything to do with
propa ganda against foreign govern
mentS.
OF course, Mr.. Hughes will not ''ac-
cept the challenge" He will not refer
these documents or others he may
have in his possession and which are
available for later presentation to
an international arbitration jointly
agreed upon" The Senate of the
United States, through its foreign re-
iations committee, is about to consider,
on the basis of q resolution declar-
ing that the soviet government should
be recognized by the United States,
this whole matter of soviet,promoted
activity in this country.
This is not an "international' ques.
tion in the sense of requiring submis-
sion to a court of arbitration. The
United States has no relations with
Russia. The President has expressed
his hope that conditions may soon per-
nit the establishment of such rela-
tions, but points out the things that
Russia must do before recognition
can be granted. Secretary Hughes has
grounds of present objection is that
the Russian government, acting
through its spiritually and material
ly" identical third internationale
agency, is conducting propaganda
for the destruction of the American
government, seeking to hoist the red
flag over the White House. The so
Wet government denies.
This is our question, not the ques.
ton of any other country. We do not
have to refer to a foreign tribunal our
objections to recognition. Russia, ask
ing for recognition, must come here
with her defense.
Those who know Charles Evans
Hughes record as lawyer, as investi-
- gator in sweeping inquiry, as Gov
ernor of the state Of New York, as a
Justice of the United States Supreme
Court and as Secretary of State have
no question of his ability to recognize
evidence and proof. 1t is inconceivable
that he, with his long experience in
matters of this character, should now
be betrayed and beguiled.