Anglo-Russian Relations

Lord Curzon's high-handed note to Soviet Russia, demanding satisfaction for the seizure of a fishing trawler in the Baltic Sea, compensation for murdered and imprisoned Britishers, the cessation of anti-British propaganda in Asia and Afghanistan and the withdrawal of insulting letters by Gregory Weinstein attacking Britain for mediating to save Mgr. Butchka-vitch, has turned out to be a decided diplomatic victory for Great Britain.

Russia gave assurances that she would not interfere with British shipping pending the decision of an International Conference to decide definitely the extent of territorial waters. She offered adequate compensation for British subjects killed in Russia and withdrew the offensive letters, and gave way on the anti-propaganda question, which threatened to wreck the peace.

According to the British Chamber of Commerce, all the trade that is being done with Russia at present could be negotiated by agents in Scandinavian countries; hence there is no need for a trade agreement. However, the Soviet Government has faithfully kept its pledges to indemnify pre-war British investors, and many firms that were doing business there before the war are once again starting operations. The good faith exhibited by the Soviet Government in this respect was a sterling reason why the Trade Agreement was pre-seived.