The Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement The new Trade Agreement with the
Russian Soviet seems to be what was required by the circumstances, It is to last only till a full Commercial Treaty has been negotiated. It has been widely noticed that -although Mr. Sokolnikoff signed on behalf of all Russia, the Dominions are not brought in On the British side. Thus the British Empire seems to give more favours than it gets, but we imagine that the Dominions are not unwilling to sign. Time has evidently pressed; but provision is made for the Dominions to adhere to the arrangement by an exchange of Notes with the Soviet. The most serious criticism in this country is concerned with the privileges of extra-territoriality granted to the Russian trade representatives. It is said that if the Russian representative's act strictly as traders and not as propa- gandists they will have no need whatever of immunity. The answer is that the Soviet Government asks for diplomatic privileges for all its representatives for the simple reason that all trade is conducted by the State. While we can understand the objections that have been raised here, we cannot think that the controversy is of importance. Communist propaganda is no doubt very tiresome, but it cannot be said to be dangerous. The more the British .workman knows of Communism the more he laughs at -it.
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