THE BOLSHEVISTS IN CIIINA
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—From Far Eastern friends I learn that the BoLsheyisi Government of Canton City, requiring further funds with which to carry on their alleged governmental duties, now contemplate making foreign trade responsible for the refilling of their war-chests. They assesss their demands without rhyme or reason, and give no consideration to the unfortunate people whom they are supposed to govern. Their first step, I am informed, is to demand a huge monthly payment from British and American importers of kerosene, calling this payment a "Tax on Illuminating Oils imported into Canton City." I believe the oil companies are showing a united front against these demands, and it is to be hoped that all manufacturers and shippers, whose goods find a market in China, will give their support, To-day it is petroleum ; to-morrow the Bolshevists May decide to tax other imported products necessary to the unfortunate populace of China. The business community in the United States in the British Empire, and in tact throughout the world; should join together in defeating the aims of an unscrupulous minority, whose only idea is to maintain themselves in power at their countrymen's expense and detriment.
Bolshevism is doing more to retard the recovery of the world's industry than is generally understood. Soviet Russia is only producing and exporting as a means to destroy. the trade of all other countries ; the cash the Bolshevists receive by the sale of goods to the United Kingdom, other European countries, and America, is used to ruin industry in China and elsewhere. How can unemployment be reduced with such conditions existing ? The remedy is simple, and it is non-political. The world should refuse to use Russian goods of any description until Russia uses her .revenueti for the benefit of her own distressed population. - I am also credibly informed that the Soviet Government is exporting_ oil to Constantinople where it finds a ready sale. This oil probably comes from wells which are the property of British and other companies who, owing to the condition of Russia, are unable to work their wells, and this oil is probably-produced by machinery which is not the property of the Soviet Govern- ment.. I daresay that it is as much use as a voice calling:1A the wilderness to protest against these things, but I submit that they are fair Matter for comment in the British 'Press, for the propaganda of the Bolshevists is, -of course, mainly directed against the British Empire in all parts of the world.—
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