It may bo pointed out at once that the Russian
invitation has not even the value it had when it was originally issued. The Soviet (the Soldiers' and Workmen's Council) does not represent the Russian people, though it often professes to speak for them, and the balance of power as between the Soviet and the Provisional Government has changed considerably in favour of the Provisional Government now that the latter has become a genuine Coalition. On the other hand, we in this country cannot afford to have a split in the Labour world. We want Labour to be solid in support of the Government policy in the future as it has been in the past. If therefore the Government, who have information that is not avail- able to us, come to the conclusion that it is desirable to let British representatives go to Stockholm, we should sot protest, though we should have some misgivings, provided that the Government explicitly accepted the responsibility.
