RELATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27734, 11 August 1955, Page 13

RELATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA

Russia Expected To Seek Resumption

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) CANBERRA, August 10. Russia is expected to move shortly for the resump* tion of diplomatic relations with Australia. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed early last year after the defection of the Soviet diplomat, Vladimir Petrov, and his wife. The resumption of diplomatic relations is expected after the report of the Royal Commission into Espionage is tabled early in the Parliamentary session, which begins on August 24. The'Kremlin has already countermanded orders for the sale of furniture and equipment from its Embassy in Canberra.

The instructions about the furniture have been sent from Moscow via Stock’ holm, to the Swedish Embassy, which looks after Soviet interests in Australia. Some weeks ago. the Swedish Embassy received instructions to sell all the furniture and equipment from the big two-storey Russian Embassy. Observers believe the new Moscow order is the strongest indication in recent months that« Russia intends to seek a restoration of diplomatic relations. Swedish officials had difficulty in locating an auction site big enough to accommodate the articles to be offered for sale. Workmen spent last weekend moving the 450 articles from the Embassy to the auction site. Then came the order from Moscow cancelling the sale. It is known that Russia is anxious to compete in the Melbourne Olympic Games next year, and is unlikely to do so while diplomatic relations with Australia remain brokfen. Another factor likely to influence the Kremlin in restoring relations is that Russia is known to be anxious to buy more wool and operate in the open market again. Since the breach with Australia. Russia has been making reduced purchases of wool through the satellite countries. Observers also believe that a Russian move to restore diplomatic relations would be in line with the Soviet’s new approach to the Western democracies, as revealed at the Geneva conference. It is known that the Australian Government would be happy to resume normal relations. This could be done quickly because neither Russia nor Australia formally severed diplomatic relations, but merely withdraw their representatives.