IX

INTERNATIONAL POLICY

In the course of these chapters, I have had occasion to mention disagreeable features of the Bolshevik regime.  But it must always be remembered that these are chiefly due to the fact that the industrial life of Russia has been paralysed except as ministering to the wants of the Army, and that the Government has had to wage a bitter and doubtful civil and external war, involving the constant menace of domestic enemies.  Harshness, espionage, and a curtailment of liberty result unavoidably from these difficulties.  I have no doubt whatever that the sole cure for the evils from which Russia is suffering is peace and trade.  Peace and trade would put an end to the hostility of the peasants, and would at once enable the Government to depend upon popularity rather than force.  The character of the Government would alter rapidly under such conditions.  Industrial conscription, which is now rigidly enforced, would become unnecessary.  Those who desire a more liberal spirit would be able to make their voices heard without the feeling that they were assisting reaction and the national enemies.  The food difficulties would cease, and with them the need for an autocratic system in the towns.

It must not be assumed, as is common with opponents of Bolshevism, that any other Government could easily be established in Russia.  I think every one who has been in Russia recently is convinced that the existing Government is stable.  It may undergo internal developments, and might easily, but for Lenin, become a Bonapartist military autocracy.  But this would be a change from within—­not perhaps a very great change—­and would probably do little to alter the economic system.  From what I saw of the Russian character and of the opposition parties, I became persuaded that Russia is not ready for any form of democracy, and needs a strong Government.  The Bolsheviks represent themselves as the Allies of Western advanced Socialism, and from this point of view they are open to grave criticism.  For their international programme there is, to my mind, nothing to be said.  But as a national Government, stripped of their camouflage, regarded as the successors of Peter the Great, they are performing a necessary though unamiable task.  They are introducing, as far as they can, American efficiency among a lazy and undisciplined population.  They are preparing to develop the natural resources of their country by the methods of State Socialism, for which, in Russia, there is much to be said.  In the Army they are abolishing illiteracy, and if they had peace they would do great things for education everywhere.