RUSSIA'S PLACE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 60, 13 March 1939, Page 8

RUSSIA'S PLACE

WORLD AFFAIRS

AMGLO-SOVIET TRADE

MOSCOW VISIT

Russia's importance in world affairs is emphasised by the forthcoming visit of the Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade, Mr. R. S. Hudson, to Moscow and other northern capitals. The official purpose of the visit is to discuss the Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement, writes the London correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald," Interest has been aroused, however, in various capitals as a result of specu-^ lation whether the visit signifies a prelude to overtures which might herald a change on Mr. Chamberlain's part towards Russia, as was significantly indicated by Mr. Chamberlain's presence at a reception at the Soviet Embassy in London last night. It is believed that the British Foreign Office has long favoured an attempt at a closer relationship with Russia, but Mr. Chamberlain hitherto has been inclined to "soft pedal." It is' thought, however, that an influential school of Conservatives is urging Mr. Chamberlain that the time is, perhaps, ripe to encourage a closer and more sympathetic trade understanding. . Whether this is likely to lead to a wider general understanding is the question that is eagerly discussed. PREVENTING MISCONCEPTIONS. Undoubtedly, the visit is regarded as being of great importance. Even "The Times" admits that it is attracting greater attention than the forthcoming visits of the President of the Board of Trade, Mr. Stanley, and Mr. Hudson to Berlin to discuss Anglo-German trade problems. The Moscow visit represents, at the least, an attempt on the British Government's part to prevent misconceptions in. Germany that the trade negotiations in Berlin are a sign of Britain's preparedness to reach economic appeasement at Germany's price. Some Conservatives and the bulk of the Liberals believe that the visit indicates the British Government's belated recognition of the importance of Russia as a military .ally in the event of an emergency. y Liberal opinibn maintains that the Moscow visit may even legitimately be interpreted as a sign that the Bri- | tish Government regrets that it has so long rebuffed the Soviet's advances. Those who are applauding the Government's decision to send Mr. Hudson declare that, if world peace, is to be saved, Britain must seek from Russia political and military co-operation, in addition to a trade agreement. It is remarked with.pleasure in certain Conservative and Liberal quarters that the Soviet Government is apparently substituting an era of discipline for the purges, which are slackening off. This, it is pointed out, has been followed by concentration on Russia's technical and economic needs. Trade experts are* satisfied that Soviet industry seems to be on the way to recovery, while the quality of the goods is improving. Special attention is being given to the heavy industries, and particularly to armaments. COLB SHOULDER AT PRESENT. It is plain that Russia is at present inclined to give a cold shoulder to Britain and France. Since the Munich settlement she is .apparently determined to cultivate an intense national outlook. A striking illustration of this was the fact that, on the Red Army's 21st birthday on February 23 last, the soldiers swore to "march in defence of the Soviet Fatherland," instead of, as formerly, "to devote all thoughts and energies to the goal of the liberation of all toilers for the cause of Socialism." Tributes to Russia's military and aerial power appear in the ..German Press, and are being reproduced in France, where "mesmeric passes" are being performed over the FrancoSoviet Paot in order to keep it alive. France is not prepared to cut the tie, despite the general belief that Russia has intimated that she considers that the spirit of the pact has been damaged since the September crisis. A German writer expresses the opinion that Russia in 1940 will be producing between 12,000 and 15,000 aeroplanes a year, and that, in the event of war, she will be able to muster 20,000 aeroplanes. . Forecasts about the results of Mr. Hudson's trade talks are not attempted, ■because the lines of any . agreement with Germany' are not easy to predict, in view of Germany's claims to new markets, which she maintains are now part of her economic hegemony. ' The croblem as far as Russia is concerned'seems likely to prove one of supply on Britain's part, since Russia is likely to desire machinery, which Britain, as a result of the industrial energy that is being thrown into the immense armament plan, may not always be free to produce. Nevertheless, commentators are inclined to believe that Mr. Hudson's task may prove more hopeful in Moscow than in Berlin. Mr.- Hudson's itinerary is as follows: —Berlin, March 17; Warsaw, March 18 to-22- Moscow, March 23 to 28; Helsingfors, March 29 to 31; Stockholm, April 1 to 3. . Probably later he will make a tour of south-eastern Europe.