News of the Week
AS these lines are being written no decision has yet been given by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Union regarding commutation of the sentences passed on Messrs. Thornton and Macdonald. If com- mutation is -conceded the question of whether that is in consequence or in spite of the embargo by this country imposed on Russian goods will remain unanswered still. The issues of the trial are discussed in detail on a later page. The proceedings have aroused universal condemn- ation throughout the world and the comment of the New York Herald-Tribune that Russia is no place for Americans at any rate will find widespread echoes. At the same time there are some signs—the-fact, for example, that the sentences were lighter than past experience had suggested as likely—that Russia is slowly recognizing -the necessity of conforming in some degree to accepted European standards. We have in any case to reconcile ourselves to living in the same world with Russia, and the use of a weapon like the embargo that breaks trade contacts at a moment when the development of every trade contact in the world is a matter of capital importance is open to grave question, particularly as it might precipitate a general Russian default. Metropolitan-Vickers is with much wisdom going straight forward with its Russian contracts (in respect of which it is receiving punctual payment). The recent proceedings may be expected to have secured this firm at any rate immunity from future interference. No tribute can be too high to pay to its representatives, notably Mr. Monkhouse, now on their way to this country.
