7. Relations with Russia
"Following on the discussions and decisions of the Hull Congress last year, a deputation proceeded to Russia and made an inquiry into the development of that country under the present form of government, inaugurated since the close of the war. The report has received a very welcome acknowledgment, not only in our own country, but throughout the continent of Europe and in America. Fifty thousand copies have been struck off as a first issue to Germany. The report can be looked upon as the first text-book indicating the recovery of Russia from the evil effects of war and all its attendant evils, and showing how a Workers’ Republic is rising, Phoenix like, from the ashes of the most despotic regime of history.
"The delegation have brought to the light of public opinion a fund of information dealing with the political, industrial, social, and financial life of the Russian Soviet State. In this respect the delegation have helped the British Trade Union Movement, through Congress, to maintain the best traditions of British democracy in rendering service to the development of working-class organisation, irrespective of creed, colour, or country.
"It is to be regretted that the defeat of the Labour Government resulted in the negation of the Trade Treaty which had for its object the granting of credits to Russia to enable her to come into the British market for goods. While conscious that the establishment of full trading relations with Russia would not solve our unemployed problem, we have sufficient evidence to show that the removal of political prejudices would improve the possibilities of private firms doing business with the Soviet Republic.