If I state emphatically that this Conference requires the best that we can bring to it, it is because I speak not only as the head of the party in this country which has shown itself most consistently and most whole-heartedly in favour of de jure recognition, but as the head of 2 Government which is genuinely prepared to show to Russia all the consideration which it properly can, and as the representative of the country which, given the restoration of confidence in Russia's future, is specially able to assist in her economic reconstruction so far as she desires. Our interests are mutual, but if we cannot reach an understanding here and now, frankly, I do not think you will be able to repeat the attempt with this or any other British Government, and I do not see where else you can turn with etter prospects.
The past relations between Britain and Russia were not always happy ones. A faraway memory of that is still in the minds of many of our people. I do not wish to revive it, In the course of your revolution you resorted to methods which roused the utmost fears and resentment elsewhere. You thought that these methods were neces-for your main purpose, but, as objectively minded men,' you Know that you have now to begin to build up again, and that a renewed contact with the outside world—outside, not only as regards national frontiers, but rds ideas—is necessary. therefore, during the discussion: that are before us, to keep one or two things firmly fixed in your minds, and assure you that, whilst recounting them, I am ' keen! aware of the corresponding obli tions they pat upon us.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.