The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-10-07
Recognize RUSSIA

Russian recognition is being discussed by President
Hoover and Premier Macdonald, according to report
1t is a reasonable report. because it would be rather
difficult for. these statesmen to discuss major world
problems without considering one of the largest politi-
cal and economic factors, Russia.
The President, it seems to us, has something to
learn from the premier in this matter. For on Satur-
day the Macdonald government announced a provi-
sional protocol signed with Russia for resumption of
diplomatic relations.
Macdonald has progressed from the emotional
attitude which blinded his tory predecessors, and
which still blinds Washington, to a realistic position.
1t is not that Macdonald loves Moscow more than
Hoover does; indeed, he has much less reason to do so
than Hoover, for Moscow necessarily has cursed Mac
Donald while dealing gently with Hoover.
But for a statesman such personalities do not de-
termine governmental policy. Foreign policy is sup
posed to be based on the national interest.
And it is to the interest of Britain to increase for
eign trade. She must have more exports to keep her
factories running and provide jobs for the million and
a half unemployed. Therefore she is re-establishing
diplomatic relations as a basis for credits and more
trade with Russia.
That was MacDonalds idea when he was in
power before. But when the tories took Office and
initiated a violently anti-Russian policy, Moscow d-
verified its trade to the United States.
We thus have profted by a rapid increase in sales
to Moscow. S~oviet-American trade for the fiscal year
just ended reached the record total of $149,O 100000,
more than a 25 per cent increase in one year, and
almost a 400 per cent increase over our trade with
czarist Russia.
There can be no argument about the importance
of this trace to us. The President himself declares
that American prosperity depends on maintaining
exports, which account for 10 per cent of our present
production and employment.
Russian trade will grow in Importance, because
that country is becoming more prosperous and a bet
ter world customer; for instance, during the last year
she turned an unfavorable into a favorable trade
balance and increased industrial production "A
per cent.
We are in danger of losing that growing trade.
It was one thing for us to get it when Moscow and
London were quarreling. The task will not be so
simple, now that there is a RuSso-British agreement
A realistic policy would result in Immediate nego-
tiations with Russia for diplomatic recognition. Mos
COW is willing to meet reasonable conditions; namely,
a non-propaganda interference pledge, funding of
the Kerensky debt, and submission of property claims
and counter-claims to a joint commission.
Thus far we have perverted the meaning and pur-
nose of diplomatic recognition. Our idea has been
that we will not recognize a government we disap-
prove of. But this idea is completely contrary to
international justice and law and to American tradl-
ton. If we applied it to other countries-say, to the
Fascist relationships of Italy, Spain, Hungary, Poland
Venezuela-we would have to break relations with
half the world.
The truth is, Of course, that the kind Of govern
ment Russia has is none of our business. The sooner
we get this into our heads, the better it will be for
the national soul-and pocketbook.