SOVIET RECOGNISED BY GREAT BRITAIN.

NOTE SENT TO MOSCOW. IMPORTANT CONDITIONS.

We are informed by the Foreign Office that the following Note has been communicated to the Russian Government by Mr. R. M. Hodgson, the head of the British Commercial Mission in Moscow:

Feb. 1.

I have the honour, by direction of my Government, to inform your Excellency that they recognise the Union of Socialist, Soviet Republics as the de jure rulers of those territories of the old Russian Empire which acknowledge their authority.

2. In order, however, to create the normal conditions of complete friendly relations and full commercial intercourse, it will be necessary to conclude definite practical agreements on a variety of matters; some of which have no direct connection with the question of recognition, some of which, on the other hand, are intimately bound up with the fact of recognition.

3. In the latter category may be cited the question of existing treaties. His Majesty’s Government are advised that the recognition of the Soviet Government of Russia will, according to the accepted principles of international law, automatically bring into force all the treaties concluded between the two countries previous to the Russian Revolution, except where these have been denounced or have otherwise juridically lapsed. It is obviously to the advantage of both countries that the position in regard to these treaties should be regularised simultaneously with recognition.

4. Technically unconnected with recognition, but clearly of the utmost importance, are the problems of the settlement of existing claims by the Government and nationals of one party against the other, and the restoration of Russia’s credit.

5. It is also manifest that genuinely friendly relations cannot be said to be completely established so long as either party has reason to suspect the other of carrying on propaganda against its interests and directed to the overthrow of its institutions.

6. In these circumstances, his Majesty’s Government invite the Russian Government to send over to London, at the earliest possible date, representatives armed with full powers to discuss these matters and to draw up the preliminary bases of a complete treaty to settle all questions outstanding, between the two countries.

7. In the meantime, I have been given the status of Chargé d’affaires pending the appointment of an Ambassador; and I am to state that his Majesty’s Government will be glad similarly to receive a Russian Chargé d’affaires representing the Government of the Union the Court of St. James.