A" Mission to Moscow
The sending of Sir Stafford Cripps to Moscow as leader of a British trade mission is a wise measure. It was highly desir- able to use the method of personal discussion rather than the slow and cumbrous procedure of cabling, and if an envoy was to be sent, Sir Stafford Cripps was an admirable choice—he is a distinguished lawyer and politician, and persona grata to Moscow. So far as the merits of a trade agreement are con- cerned, obviously this country had to guard against the possi- bility of British goods being re-exported to Germany. But all the evidence goes to show that Russia has been diminishing and not increasing her exports of vital commodities to Germany ; and it should not be difficult to arrange the sale of goods which we know Russia needs for herself in exchange for goods which we certainly need ourselves. It would be extreme folly to adopt an attitude which would tend to force Russia to improve her relations with Germany. For the same reason it should be recognised that the time has come when we should be effec- tively represented at the British Embassy in Moscow. Sir William Seeds is still on leave in this country. Unless he is to return himself a successor—carefully chosen—should be imme- diately appointed. In spite of the wide divergencies between British and Russian policy there are some real common interests which ought to be pursued to the utmost that circumstances will allow.
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