• * * * He regarded the Treaty as "
a very great blot " on the policy of the Government. He did not object to the official recognition given to the Soviet Government, but when it came to a question of making agreements the truth about the character of the Russian Government ought not to be concealed. That Government had been brought into existence by massacre, and was just as much a despotism as the Government of the Tsar which it destroyed. Even to-day it was maintained by espionage and execution, and there was no freedom of speech or of religion. Although we could not prevent such things, we need not go out of our way to treat Russia more favourably than other countries. The Soviet Government had destroyed the productive capacity of Russia, yet it was now proposed to pledge British credit in its support.
