Russian-English Agreement Unlikely (10-14-40)

The Pittsburgh Press (October 14, 1940)

RUSSIAN-ENGLISH AGREEMENT UNLIKELY
By Helen Kirkpatrick

London, Oct. 14 –

Unless the United States can persuade Russia of the advantages to be gained from a general agreement, it seems from here unlikely that the deadlock which has been reaches in British-Russian affairs can be broken.

Informed quarters here merely insist that there have been no further developments in the talks in Moscow, and refuse to comment on reports in this morning’s London Daily Mail and News-Chronicle that Great Britain is prepared to consider acceding to Russia’s demands on the Baltic question.

For months now – ever since the Baltic States “joined” the Soviet Union – Moscow has been demanding not only that the British release frozen credits but also grant recognition to the new status of the Baltic States. The British appear prepared to settle the question of debts and credits but refuse to commit themselves on recognition.

But it is believed here that if Russia would be prepared to make a big general settlement which would probably include closer Russo-Turkish relations, an agreement on the Far East and the shutting off of exports to Germany, Britain might then be ready even to recognize Russian acquisitions in the Baltic.

But conversations certainly have not reached that stage yet.

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