Sir,—How fortunate it is that the peace conference may have the voice of Russians of world-wide reputation for their courage, honour, and knowledge, such as Count Kokovtzeff, General Gourko, General Deseino (sic), and others. Their voice, at a meeting of such paramount importance, is luckily now within reach. If Russian interests are ruined by the present murderers and thieves, many English and French people would unavoidably also come to the same tragic grief. 

In a very clever letter, published simultaneously in several influential English papers, it is stated that the English and French have invested in Russia about £1,200,000,000. No doubt, this sum is enormous, and to expect that it should be lost without terrible protests and retaliation from the victims is impossible. If the present Russian usurpers are severely punished some day by their victims, I do not think, honestly speaking, that ruined English and French investors will remain indifferent to their own fate any longer. The saying, “Laissez faire–laissez passer” can only be inspired by short-sighted madness. At this moment, just look what is going on in Turkey, thanks to the same kind of liberal indifference. Turkey was left to herself and her goodwill, but the moment she felt not only free but allowed to indulge in her own natural ways, she resumed again her massacre. The extermination of the poor Christian Armenians who not long ago became happy at the idea that their tortures would be stopped by Holy Russia, was one of the results. This is a practical lesson. It ought to oblige the members of the peace conference to realise what is meant by no interference, when mad dogs attack unprotected and disarmed people!

The case of Russia is tremendously important and pressing. What is wanted now is not a new war, Heaven forbid! but only the means which Russians need—the true Russians—to defend themselves, their lives and their daily bread; the rest will come with logical rapidity. If God helps the Allies in their good work, Russia will not only resume her former strength and wealth, she will be able and anxious to pay her debts of honour to her English and French Allies. Thus they will get what is due to them. Nothing more, but also nothing less.— Yours, etc.

OLGA NOVIKOFF

4, Brunswick Place, N.W.1, London.