The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-10-21
SATURDAY OCT. q. 1893.
AMERICA AND RUSSIA!


DREs1DENT ROOsEvELTs invitation to
n the Soviet government to send a repre-
sentative for discussions here is much more
than gesture toward diplomatic recognition.
1t may prove to be one Of the most momentous
decisions reached at the White House.
Two problems now overshadow all others
One is to get out Of the depression. The other
is to keep out Of war. For both purposes the
Presidents outstretched hand Of friendship to
Russia has special significance.
Russian trade may help to pull us out Of
the depression. American Russian friendship
may help to prevent war in the far east, in
Europe, or even world war.
In the light Of these grave issues the mis-
understandings which have kept the two gov
ernments and peoples apart since 1917 seem
unimportant, unreal America feared Russian
interference and propaganda; forgetting that
it was we who had violated Russas sover-
eighty by sending troops and money against
her in an undeclared and cowardly war, for
getting that the only revolt that need concern
us is hone-g grown revolution caused by our
own failures.
We objected to her opinions of our form of
government; forgetting that ours was once a
revolutionary government also suspicious of
the governments of imperialist nations who
feared our example; forgetting that now Rus
STA was not outlawing us but we were trying to
outlaw her by withholding recognition while
we extended friendship to all the reactionary
and barbaric relationships in the world for
getting that the Russian form of government
is none of our business.
Russia's failure 70 pay back the small Ker-
ensky loan and 10 meet private American
claims resulting from the overthrow of czarism
seemed very important to us-until most of the
world defaulted on American loans, not to
mention the American defaults at home Now
we are not even surprised that she, with better
grace than many other governments. appears
ready to negotiate a just settlement of the
obligations she inherited.
We are not surprised because we long since
have become accustomed to hearing that
Soviet Russia is the only country in the world
which has 100 per cent record for meeting
all her payments on foreign commercial con-
tracts. For several years our largest corpora
tons have dealt with the Moscow government
and found it unfailingly honorable
But the lack of regular diplomatic and COM
mercial relations has prevented much trade
and credit expansion.
Now we desperately need Russian trade for
our closed factories and unemployed. Now
Russia needs American goods and credit.
But we need, and Russia needs something
else much more Both of us need friendship
active cooperation in a world drifting toward
war Such friendship is possible because it
can be based on more than sentimentality, be-
cause it can be built on the realistic rock of
mutual interests.
OF all the nations, America and Russia
have fought hardest for disarmament Of all
the nations, America and Russia have most to
gain by world peace and are striving most con-
sistently to maintain peace.
Meanwhile military blocs are forming all
around them leaving them isolated. America
is more alone today than in many years.
If President Roosevelt and Foreign Minister
Litvinov bring together for mutual prosperity
and peace the worlds two strongest republics,
history will enshrine them among the great
statesmen.