Trust Russia 183 



has led to a foolish and dangerous attitude over the present 

 situation. Despite the present demoralixed state of that 

 misguided country, however, her military weakness and 

 her internal difficulties still remain one of the most 

 important factors of the Grand Alliance. The Russian 

 problem concerns not only Fiussia herself, but her Allies 

 as well. She is the axis round which turns the whole 

 question : Which will win, the Allies or Germany ? It is, 

 therefore, of the utmost importance that the Allies recog- 

 nize the fact that Russia as a whole is healthy, sound and 

 loyal to our cause ; her present cankerous growth will 

 soon be cured once a start is made, and we feel sure that 

 a " move " will be apparent before long. 



This view of the state of affairs in Russia is confirmed 

 by a statement that I have just received from one of the 

 leading men in Anglo-Russian financial circles in which 

 he points out the urgent need that exists for us to have 

 patience and to continue to cultivate the good-will of 

 Russia and to go on helping to develop her agriculture 

 and commerce in every way possible, and then goes on to 

 say, as I have done, that the feeling of disappointment 

 created in the minds of the people of the Allied countries 

 by the kaleidoscopic changes in the political situation in 

 Russia since the Revolution is caused almost entirely in 

 consequence of its effect in postponing the victorious 

 conclusion of the War. The economic aspect, which is 

 second only in importance to the military one, has con- 

 sequently remained in the background, and thus the vital 

 importance to the Entente countries of the maintenance 

 of the closest relations with the Russian people has been 

 lost sight of. 



The permanent form of Government which may be 

 evolved eventually, or the political status of any of the 

 contending parties, are not questions which affect this 

 issue. Our future relations with Russia are of such vital 

 importance both to the people of Russia and to ourselves, 

 that the time has come when the business and labour 

 interests of Great Britain should take action. The 

 moment has arrived when practical help must be given to 

 Russia in the re-establishment and development oi her 

 industrial and economic life. The policy of silent sympathy 

 and patronizing pity can accomplish nothing, and should 

 be immediately replaced by an active policy of help and 

 guidance. 



For the purpose of urging this question upon our 

 Government an influential committee of leading industrial 



