Evening star., 1924-02-14

Few subjects of recent interest have
attracted as much attention as the
recognition Of soviet Russia by the
British labor government Opinions
of editors differ widely concerning
both the significance and the wisdom
of the act.
"Recognizing Russia is small be-
ginning" according to the Milwaukee
Journal, "for 1t is something that can
be done with a wave of the hand.
What recognition will be worth is
still to be tested" The Duluth Her
aid does not consider it matter of
great practical Importance. for ut Is
certain that such recognition would
not carry with 1t approval OF an that
Russia has done or cancel any just
claims against her" Because, as the
Atlanta journal puts it, ''it is by no
means to be inferred that Macdonald
gives his blessing to soviettsm.' The
Minneapolis Tribune, however. sug,-
gests at will be interesting to note
the progress of negotiations between
the two governments with respect to.
treaties, debts, claims and other ques-
tions." 1t is upon this rock the rec
ognition is likely to split. in the opin-
ion of the Portland Express, because
when Macdonald comes to demand
recognition of British debts he will
be: pretty certain to encounter an in
superable obstacle to continuation
of friendly relations between the two
nations" In the case of England, the
Buffalo News points out, "it primarily
is an economic. venture" But the
immediate effect, the Brooklyn Eagle
insists. will be political rather than
economic" because trade restoration
depends upon the progress of recon
,,.it1 lpI-a1nn-
ment Of transport. the obtaining of
credit. the expansion of foreign
trade" and many months will pass
before British unemployment will de-
crease as a result The recognition
will have a tremendous effect on
France" the Reading Tribune main
tains. as "it will serve further to iso-
late the French economically, prob
ably result in the further imitation
of the franc and give some impetus
Kalamazoo Gazette. however, declares
"the greatest effect of Russian rec
ognition will be- felt in diplomatic
circles" inasmuch as European poll
icy will be profoundly affected by the
attitude Russia assumes on the vexed
questions Of reconstructions."
X X X
The New York Times is quick to
make the point that 'ih the long run
British recognition will avail Moscow
little unless 1t is followed by some
thing more substantial, and that is
British money" Although the soviet
needs money desperately, it is the
belief of the Roanoke Times that all
who know British policy feel conf
dent that the soviet will not manage
drawer unless it furnishes indisputa-
BILE proof of continued good be-
havior." Although the Indianapolis
News regards the recognition as far
from hnal in defining the relations
between the two countries. the
whether there is a disposition on the
part Of the Russian government to
conform to established practices in
international relations" It is a bold
step, the Boston Transcript comedies,
"for a government to take that rests
on which the Macdonald cabinet
stands" but cit will undoubtedly
have the effect to make easier some
sort Of understanding between lib
erals and conservatives" At any
rate "it Is good beginning for the
City Journal admits. for at is one
conceived of a vision that has a far
ther reach and a broader scope.
Europe was in need of such inspira-
ton. Ramsay Macdonald will find a
new power and a greater glory If
capable of its application
There is more patriotism than politics
in Macdonald's move, the Houston
Chronicle agrees, for "it promises dis
ester only II France persists in her ar
rogant, irhperialistic. .uncompromising
attitude; otherwise II promises to right
the whole situation and present way
for good understanding all along the
iHex"--.Inasmuch AZ there was sharp
advaneA- in sterling ng--exchanga-IatsS..o on
the day recognition came. the Pitts