20 FEBRUARY 1926, Page 18

THE . NEW RUSSIA [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR, —In

your review of Dr. Haden Guest's book on Russia (February 6th) you hint that the independence of the " nine

independent republics " of the Union of Soviet Republics is only " theoretical " under the dictators in Moscow. I am afraid I do not know whether Georgia is one of the nine, but I cannot help thinking of that unhappy land when I go on to read that the right of secession for any constituent republic is specifically retained in the Constitution." Georgia is rather less happy than the Low Countries can have been under Alva's heel. Is this because she dared to try to avail herself of a right specifically retained for her ? And are the other con- stituent republics made careful by her lesson ?—I am, Sir, &c.; SELBSTSESTIXMUNG.