Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-06

Russia is cutting lively behind-tSe-
scenes figure in the international Cham
Der Of Commerce meeting in Washing
ton. Nobody knows just when it will
bound into the center Of the stage. II
and when 1t does, a merry melee Is in
certain prospect. According to the pro-
Russian party, 1t was planned long ago
to make world embargo on trade with
Soviet Russia the high spot of the
meeting The alleged prime mover in
this enterprise was Sir Arthur Balfour,
Sheffield steel magnate and big gun OF
the British delegation in washington.
He is said to have instituted a world
wide QUESTIONABLE on the subject OF
boycotting Communist trade, with a
view to corresponding action by the In
ternational Chamber. These plans
appear to have gone awry. At any rate,
when the governing council assembled
here the other day, on the eve OF the
Chamber conclave, 1t was decided not
TO include the Balfour proposition on
the agenda as a formal topic OF discus
sion. To date, 1t has not cropped up,
except in sporadic and passing refer
ences by speakers on other subjects.
Moscow has vigilant American
spokesman on hand, ready to go LAT
for the Soviet the moment opportunity
is offered He is Col. Hugh l.. Cooper
OF New York, president Of the Russian
American Chamber Of Commerce. Col.
Cooper is a hydraulic engineer by pro-
fession. Interests headed by him are
now carrying on a 100000, 900 power
development enterprise throughout the
valley OF the Dneiper. Cooper Is 3
confirmed believer in the advantages Oh
unlimited commercial relations between
the United States and Russia. He IS
saving wood and saying nothing at the
International chamber conclave, but Is
ready to defend vigorously the theory
that, in times OF industrial depression,
it would be the height OF folly for
Yankee trade to ignore the endless OPP
portunities Russia affords. In the words
of another colonel, who dealt in eye
wash, Col Cooper says there's mil
lions In It." One more protagonist of
business with Russia has been standing
around in Washington this week-the
astute Col. Ivy l.. Lee OF New York,
famed as Americas 'million-dollar
press agent"
Frederic M. Sackett, American AM
baSsador to Germany, has arrived from
Berlin on q months leave OF absence.
He has made interesting and important
reports to President Hoover and Sec
rotary Stimson on political Gnd eco
nomic conditions in the Reich. Under
the sagaciouS leadership Of President
Hindenburg and Chancellor Bruening,
Mr.. Sackett believes that the German
people are working out their salvation
as normally and effectively as the
world situation permits There's
suspicion that Ambassador Sackett,
l,,-h, haa fhnrntto0Iyy ina a nd
at Berlin, chose this particular time for
furlcugh because the Kentucky Derby
is about to be run. At any rate. he and
Mrs Sackett are headed for their home
in Louisville where they'll stay until
they sail for Germany early IN June. The
newly purchased American embassy in
Berlin, the Ambassador says, was not
seriously damaged by the recent fire.
Title has not yet passed TO Uncle Sam
and the insurance companies will have
to foot the bill.
The genial soul long known as
| Americas best friend In Great Britain"
is in washington as British delegate
to the International Chamber Of Com
merce. He bears an appropriate name
| barrister by profession, Britain was
at the right hand OF the late Lord
Roberts, beloved British field marshal.
in the organization of THE Pilgrims"
some 80 years ago--the society which
for nearly q generation nov has been
keeping the world safe for Anglo
American fraternity Sir Harry was
knighted in 1918 fer his services in
that field and in connection with
British Empire press conference activ-
| tiles. The American military and naval
officers who passed through London
during the war cherish Harry Britain
10 grateful memory for his organi1a.