Evening star., 1924-12-26
VITAL THEMES
America and Red Russia.
BY Robert Underwood Johnson,
american Ambassador TO Itoly,
I920-2l.

AT least one exception must be
made to the charge that the only
foreign policy of tho United States
Is to have no foreign policy-namely,
our determination not to have rela-
tions with the present government
OF Russia. This purpose has persist
ed under three Presidents-Wilson,
Harding and Coolidge-and 1t has
been vfndicated by the blunders and
the establishment of those govern
ments Of Europe which have been Sc
duced into the opposite course. Our
attitude in this matter is something
to be proud Of
Great Britain, chasing the ignis-
fatuus of trade advantage, was the
first to plunge into the Serbonian
bog. Mr.. Lloyd George, to propitiate
socialist sentiment, admitted and rec
ognized Litvinoff, Krassin's CONNER
cial agent, who at once began to vio-
late his promise not to indulge in
Soviet propaganda 1t was the time
OF the great strike of British miners,
and LtvinoR came near giving the
trustful prime minister a taste of
chaos, and, although at San Reno
Mr.. Lloyd George denounced the
treachery, he did not scruple to dine
and counsel with Litvinoff at Genoa.
The filtration with Moscow was
publication of the incendiary Zino-
vfeff letter has opened the eyes Of
Englishmen, who now see that they
were being fed on husks and poison
ivy.
Germany also burnt her fingers at
the alluring flame. Her alliance with
Russia, revealed at the Genoa con-
ference, which was to establish a new
balance OF commercial power and also
carried Il threat Of military cooper
alton (Soviet diplomacy feeds on
threats) gave thrill of joy to the
Teuton and a thrill of dismay to the
allies. But not only has there been
no gain to Germany in that foolish
and futile ENHANCEMENT, but It has
been full of recurrent peril to the
German republic Her statesmen are
now apologizing for the blunder and
wondering how American politicians
can think Of falling into the same
trap.
Italy. too. sees that her hopes of
advantage from the Soviet treaty are
but empty air, and there are signs
that Mussolini, conqueror of bolshe-
vism, has come to regret his astound-
ing federation of the viper that has
been warmed at Italy's hearthstone
And now, latest among the disillu-
stoned, comes the premier of France.
Mr.. Herriot probably would never
have favored recognition Of the
Soviets had he not been confident of
the reelection Sf Macdonald. What
Is the first resLft of this ruakeshift
diplomacy? The red flag is legitimized
and is Haunted in the streets of Paris
by $4,000 Communists. Then comes
the triumphant and soft-spoken
krassin as ambassador and the ter
rorists renew their purpose of de-
stroying constitutional government in
France, as in every other country;
and Mr.. Herriot, in order to save his
precarious political situation. is en-
deavoring with all his might to lay
the ghost that he himself has con-
jured up. There is only one way to
deal with wild beasts, and at last
Mr.. Herriot appears TO be taking it,
What a comment this all is on the
statesmanship of Europe! For once
amateur American diplomacy" as
represented by Mr.. Colby and since
by Mr.. Hughes, has proved wiser and
more farsighted than that Of the
trained veterans of Downing Street
and the Quai dOrsay. The consistent
refusal of our government to rocog-
nize the Russian usurpers and cut
throats, ayowed consiprators against
our public order and our ideal Of
liberty under law, has been the great
est obstacle in their path. Our steady
adherence to this policy will help to
hasten the end Of the most sordid
and impudent revolt against author
ity since the fall of Lucifer.
Copyright, 1e24.)