THE SOVIET AND FRANCE

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20961, 15 September 1933, Page 9

THE SOVIET AND FRANCE

EXCHANGE OF ARMS AND MUNITIONS RESULT OF RECENT RAPPROCHEMENT PARIS, August 7. Arising out of the recent rapprochement between France and the Soviet are certain munition and armament transactions between these two countries as well as between Soviet Russia and Poland. It is learned that France is endeavouring to secure certain stocks left by Germans at munition works in Soviet Russia. These works were re-equipped or constructed by Germans. The change in the political situation in Germany has compelled her to wind up this kind of activity in Soviet Russia—or in any case a part of this activity. A certain amount of the stocks were exported to Germany. Many German engineers have left and are still leaving Soviet Russia. The French would like to obtain a part of these stocks and to put their engineers in the Soviet munition works. Negotiations concerning this have been carried on in Paris. Two prominent French firms have been proposing to send their specialists to Russia and have been ready to cede some of their metallurgical secrets on condition 'hat Soviet Russia will sell v. part of these stocks to Poland. These negotiations, it is understood, have been carried on between French private enterprises and Soviet representatives, with the approval of French official circles. Poland is anxious to obtain from Soviet munition works special parts for machine-guns, heavy artillery platforms, and other articles for artillery, as well as leather equipment for cavalry. Poland, it should be made clear, has no munition works of importance. Soviet representatives have purchased in France machine-nuns, aviation guns, and anti-aircraft artillery. Further purchases are proceeding. A contract has been signed between Russia and France in virtue of which Russia will increase export- to France of certain joal byproducts used in the production of nigh explosives.