RUSSIA
Maoriland Worker, Rōrahi 12, Putanga 220, 23 Poutūterangi 1921, Page 4
RUSSIA
Speaking for the Soviet Government at the exchange of rauiica-'ons of the Russo-Finnish Peace Treaty, wby.ii function took place in Moscow on January 3, Tchitcherin assured the Finnish representatives that the Russian Government was just as sincere as the Finnish in its desire to establish permanent friendly relations. He pointed out tliat the yoke of the Tsar's regime had weighed, iiot only on the Russian people, but also on all other subject na'.ionaiities. and that the burden in particular had hindered Finland.*- progress. The Tsarist domination of Finland had caused continuous misunderstandings between the Finnish and Russian peoples, but that, when the workers and peasants assumed control of the Russian Government three years ago, they had- repudiated the imperialistic ai-m-s of the Tsarist Government and without outside pressure of any kind had unconditionally recognised Finland's independence. Ke i'elt assured that on. the basis of the Treaty the mutual interests of Russia and Finlfuid $}vould strengthen and develop a mutual friendship; Russia would give Finland every facility to make use of Russian economic resources, while Russia, asks for Finland's co-operation in the transit ot trade." In this way,,, Tchitcherin concluded, "The peace era between Finland and Soviet. Russia which comes into force from today, will servo the prosperity of both countries."
On December £2 last the All-Russia Congress of Soviets opened in Moscow. Over 2,000 delegates wore present, representing Russia, the Caucasus', Siberia, the Crimea, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. Of the seven points in the agania four dealt with reconstruction. was hardly able to speak owing to tho cheering. He delivered a two-hour speech on tho economic situation, the conditions oC tho various industries, aud tho intensification of production. 1.10 dealt also wim (he plan for the electrification of Russia, and pleaded in defence of the system ot concessions lo foreign capital. lie attacked also the growth of buroneracy within Russia. A Moscow Oommunist paper, referring to tho deliberations of tho Congress said: "Instead of ihe row oE cannons and the rattle of rllio..', we heard the faint but gradually growing Bound of running- machinery. Instead oi! military defence, tlho discussed . the attack on the workers' last enemy-—-economic ri'.i*-„ M