Russian Discussion

The Chinese Foreign Office attempted to take up the question of a Sino-Russian recognition treaty where it was dropped following the Russian ultimatum (TIME, March 31). Dr. V. K. Wellington Koo, Foreign Minister, relieved Dr. C. T. Wang,* the former Chinese plenipotentiary, and made direct overtures to L. M. Karakhan, Soviet Envoy. The latter insisted that unconditional recognition of Soviet Russia by China precede any negotiation. Discussion was hampered by the illness of both diplomats and by an attempt on the part of Peking students to force Koo's hand by staking a demonstration in favor of recognition. The Cabinet approved Koo's suggestion of a recognition treaty, to be signed simultaneously with an exchange of notes, settling the Soviet evacuation of Mongolia and the question of Russian Church property.

*Wang, who graduated from Yale in 1910, has served as Assistant Minister of Commerce and Industry and Deputy Speaker of the Senate in China. Chinese Delegate to the Versailles Peace Conference and head of the commission to settle the details of the transfer of Shantung: and Director of the Rehabilitation of Shantung Rights.