File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎649r] (945/1080)

APPENDIX.
Extract from “ Nabat ” published at Askhabad, 22nd March
1921.
A Decisive Victory.
The trade treaty between Soviet Russia and England has been signed in
London.
On the very same day the Kronstadt insurrection was finally liquidated.
These events possess a tremendous meaning for Soviet Russia and are inti
mately connected one with another.
Eor a whole year have these pourparlers with England dragged on, result
ing in nothing decisive. Eor a whole year has England’s ally, France, tried
to render these pourparlers nugatory. She has tried not to permit the access of
Soviet Russia to diplomatic and commercial relations with the rest of the
capitalistic world.
Nevertheless, we have had our own way : from the beginning of March
1921 it began to be known definitely that the commercial discussions with
England were proceeding to a conclusion.
France was aware of this much more than we were. Her capitalists did
their utmost to bring these trade discussions to naught.
The Kronstadt rebellion was prepared and fanned into flame by the French
and Russian ’Whiteguard press by methods that are-unbelievable.
The Bolshevik press received to date continues to devote attention to events
in Kronstadt. The shortage of food and fuel is causing them anxiety and the
pages of their journals are largely given over to exhortations to further efforts
to combat the crisis. The menace of a return of the old regime of imperialists,
capitalists and landlords should hunger cause a collapse of Soviet administra
tion, is freely exploited.
The following paragraphs are extracted from this issue:—
“ The English paper “ Manchester Guardian ” by reason of its tone gives us
the impression that English public opinion preserved a composed and detached
attitude towards the Kronstadt rebellion, not investing it with any political
significance/’
The trade treaty was signed on the 10th March and thus the Soviet Re
public entered into the ordinary comity of nations.
“ The two important events which have been lived through by Soviet
Russia— i.e., the Kronstadt rebellion and the signing of the trade agreement
with England—have taught us a very great deal, ”
“There is hut one expedient: we must be wakeful and farseeing and
without mercy eject all provocatory agents from among our peasants and
labourers. ”
“ The preservation of internal order and tranquillity in Soviety Russia
appears to be at present our principal task.”
“ The conclusion of the trade treaty has opened wide the door to the world’s
markets for Soviet Rmssia. We shall know how to obtain in them what is
necessary for urban and rural economics, without which it is impossible
speedily to put our economic existence in order. ”
“ The three years’ blockade is raised.
“ We have gained a brilliant victory the fruits of which the workers and
peasants will profit by in conditions of amicable and heroic labour
“ The external position of our Republic is firmly established and this is
testified to by the fact of the conclusion of the trade agreement with England.
Had it not been for this England would never have entered into an agreement
with us.