PAYING COURT TO THE BEAR

France and Russia are openly on speaking terms again. And Maire Herriot's visit to Moscow is looked upon in the same light as Lafayette's to America.

"To have a European policy we must henceforth take account of Russia" declares the semi-official French paper, Le Temps, swallowing all of its Russian editorials for the last five years. When in need of a friend, the French can forget, or at least overlook, much. That Czarists' debts were disregarded and France deserted in the war are not subjects to be mentioned when fear of Germany is dominant. Any move to strengthen "the national position" will be acceptable to the French. Especially the business interests are clamoring for complete reconciliation, arguing that trade relations are essential.

So Russia, like a discarded divorcee, is suddenly finding favor once more in "les yeux des Francais". Because of strategic position, trade, or what not, Paris will not be outdone by either London or Berlin in courting Moscow.