THE AMBIGUOUS PACIFISM OF THE SOVIETS
Trotsky expresses his Love of Peace and threatens Romania

Barely back from the Caucasus, Trotsky gave an interview to the United Press correspondent in Moscow. Asked whether conflict between Russia and Romania was imminent, Trotsky said:

I would be responding hypocritically if I said that war is impossible. One might then ask me why Russia and Romania each maintain their armies. However, I can say with certainty that Russia is not preparing for war with Romania. Personally, at least, I know nothing concerning preparation of this kind, of which I should be aware in my capacity as head of the Ministry of War.

Trotsky stressed that the breakdown of the Vienna conference had no other significance than to clearly demonstrate Russia's refusal to sanction by its signature the fraudulent occupation of Bessarabia by Romania. In the meantime, Russia is doing everything possible to obtain a plebiscite in Bessarabia and not resort to war. »

Army reduced... and expanded

Trotsky then explains at length what he proposes by developing the territorial militia and reducing the numbers of the regular army.

This, he continued, is proof of our love of peace. The governments of all other nations now recommend peace in words; but why don't they change their military methods, adopting a territorial militia? This is great for defense, but not at all suitable for offense.

Regarding the possibility of obtaining financial credits from England, Trotsky declared:

“Russia, obviously, is keen to obtain this assistance; however, credits are not a vital necessity. If it obtains any, it will use them to revive its trade, its agriculture, its transport, mainly by studying the construction of electrical lines and the electrification of the country. »

Trotsky declared that Russia has a particular interest in restoring normal relations with the United States. He added, in conclusion, certain assertions regarding alleged Bolshevik propaganda and capitalist infiltrations into Russia. These last details have already been published elsewhere.