thing to go through Scandinavia to Dorpat,
see the peace signed, and, if possible, enter
Russia with the returning Russian delegates.
Nothing was certain ; I had no sort of understanding
with anybody as to whether I should
be allowed to enter Russia or not. I asked
for a passport to Scandinavia and Finland and
secured the necessary “ visés ” before leaving
England—except the Finnish, which, I was
informed, could not be given for two weeks.
I did not ask for a passport to Russia for the
quite simple reason that neither the British
nor any other Government had any power to
issue such passports, since no Government in
Europe at that time had officially recognised
the Soviet Government. There was no mystery
about my journey. I travelled like any
other newspaper man, saw everybody of importance
in each country through which I
passed, and tried to learn all there was to
learn about conditions. My intention was to
be away from England three weeks or a
month. I was away nine weeks, every day
of which brought me knowledge, understanding
and experience. I want to put on record
my deep debt of gratitude to the Ministers
and other Government officials, both British
and foreign, with whom I came in contact.
Page:George Lansbury - What I saw in Russia.pdf/14
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viii
PREFACE
