RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28481, 10 January 1958, Page 12

RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

Speculation In Canberra Prost Association— CoDVVlpln

CANBERRA, January I. A New Year greetings messags from the Russian leaders to ths Australian Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) has caused speculaticn on a possible Russian approach this year for resumption of diplomatic representation. Russia withdrew her Canberra diplomats and requested Aus* tralian representatives to leave Moscow in April, 1954, after ths Australian Government's revelstion of Russian spying. Diplomats in Canberra say the impression is strong that. Russia may make the first move tor resuming representation.

These sources said that it was significant that it was the fint time Australia had received greetings since the diplomatic break. They said the message cotdl mean that Russia looked on the break merely as a withdrawal ot representation rather than a cessation of diplomatic relations. Eighteen months ago Rdsria cancelled a plan to sell He Embassy building in Canberra. The building is being supervised by the Swedish Legation, which is acting as protector of Sof4B interests in Australia. The belief in senior Common* wealth quarters is that ft* resumption of diplomatic relation* with Russia is desirable. rti view in these quarters is, how* ever, that Russia must be left to make the first move because it was Russia which initiated the break.