TRADE WITH RUSSIA

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 292, 5 September 1931, Page 11

TRADE WITH RUSSIA

Debate by Y.M.C.A. PARLIAMENTARY UNION The possibilities of trade between New Zealand and Russia were debated by the Wellington Y.M.C.A. Parliamentary Union this week. The “Conservative Party” took the Treasury benches, and Mr. G B Powles, in the role of Prime Minister,'outlined the policy to be followed. A “private Bill" was then introduced for the appointment of a commissiott to investigate and report on the possibilities and advisability of establishing trade and diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union. It was stated that the Soviet bad trade and diplomatic relations with practically every country in Europe, including Great Britain, and that the advantages of the agreement between Great Britain and Russia were available to the Dominions on the exchange of Notes between the Governments of the respective countries. Various speakers stated the possibilities of reciprocal trade between both countries, it being pointed out that Russia afforded a potential market for New Zealand wool, hides, tallow and other produce, while petrol and other products of Russia which did not clash with New Zealand industries, and were, now imported from other foreign countries with trade balances against the Dominion, could be imported. Reference to slave-labour was made by one of two members, while another stated that disciplined labour 1 existed in Russia, whjch was a totally different thing fr °Th ’ l majority of members expressed the opinion that it was desirable for the true position concerning Russia to be ini partially examined. The “Bill” passed in Ml stages. -