Europe—whither bound? (Quo vadis Europa?) : $b being letters of travel from the capitals of Europe in the year 1921 — John Shaqi
Europe—whither bound? (Quo vadis Europa?) : $b being letters of travel from the capitals of Europe in the year 1921Graham, Stephen
History
Europe—whither bound? (Quo vadis Europa?) : $b being letters of travel from the capitals of Europe in the year 1921
Graham, Stephen
Europe -- Description and travel
In a strong military voice he said that two million Russians outside
Russia acknowledged him as their leader. The French alternatives of
Brazil or "Sovdepia" he considered shameful. Soviet Russia he always
referred to as "Sovdepia"--the new name for it. Exodus to Brazil without
preliminary conditions meant, he said, white slavery. Return to Sovdepia
meant the _chresvichaika_ and execution. Time, he believed, was on his
side. The Allies would need his army yet, and would be foolish if they
deserted those who had sacrificed themselves to the Allied cause. Like
many other Russians, Baron Wrangel believes in the coming complete
disruption of Europe. Germany is almost bound to go the way of Russia.
That was the voice of Baron Wrangel, and one had the impression of a fine
character which would stand the test of adversity. A soldier, however,
and not a statesman or a prophet. But perhaps it takes neither a
statesman nor a prophet to see that Europe is in mortal danger.
* * * * * *
The supreme problem at Constantinople and on the peninsula seems to be to
liquidate the Russian population fairly and honourably. Even those who
have no sympathy with the military adventures in Russia will feel the
call of humanity here. The Russians are not guilty of any crime: they
are only terribly unfortunate.
Shortly after I saw Wrangel, he was isolated by the French authorities
and forbidden to visit his army. The French then began the forcible
return of the soldiers to Soviet Russia. As an alternative they could go
to Brazil. But the first transports for Brazil were stopped by wireless.
The Government of Brazil, after all, did not agree to receive the
Russians. So these miserables were put on the island of Corsica. Of the
others little is known. Large numbers have been returned to Russia.
Serbia and Czecho-Slovakia have covenanted to take a few thousand.
As for the civilian refugees, a hundred thousand of them are in desperate
straits. They cannot live in Constantinople, and they cannot get away.
It is a death-trap for them. For the women it is a trap far worse than
death. They are unpopular people in Europe now--the gentry of Russia,
people of education and gentle upbringing, the people of the old landed
families. I observe that with the signing of the trade treaty with
Soviet Russia funds have at once been started with the object of feeding
starving Russians in Russia. Charities are a British and American vice,
but something, not necessarily money, is due to the Russian refugees.
Human attention is needed--an honourable effort to solve the problem of
making these Russians self-supporting economic units. Mr. Ilin, at the
head of the Russian organization, is the man to approach. He is a
capable, quiet Russian, who is under no illusions as to the enormity of
the task or the difficulty of coping with it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account