“I have the honor, by direction of my Government, to inform your Excellency that they recognize the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics as de jure rulers of those territories of the old Russian Empire which acknowledge their authority.”
These were the words used by Robert M. Hodgson in announcing to the Soviet Government that he had been appointed British Charge d’Affaires pending the appointment of an Ambassador, who is expected to be James O’Grady (TIME, Feb. 4).
Unconditional recognition was granted to Russia. The Soviet Government was invited, however, to send “a representative armed with full powers” to draw up “a complete treaty to settle all the questions outstanding between the two countries.”
Premier Macdonald’s prompt action in recognizing Russia was attributed by some to a hope that it might hasten the advent of parliamentary institutions in Russia. This is not to be gainsaid, but the prime reason for recognition was one of economic expediency.
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