But here is a secret telegram apparently only divulged by
an accident or by the casualness of the Moscow authorities. The cipher precautions seem to show that Mr. Clynes realized that he had nothing to be proud of in inviting a foreign Government to do something which must be regarded- as foreign interference in English elections. We are disgusted by the whole incident, for Mr. Clynes is not only an able man, but we believe a man of high character. The transaction is sure to remind people of the old dealings of the Daily Herald in roubles, gold, diamonds and other jewels, and the Soviet's contemptuous telegrams about the paper they had purchased. One feels, indeed, almost compelled to say of Labour leaders, "Whatever record leaps to light they always will be shamed." But that, though natural, would be much too severe.
Previous page
