REDS IN CANADA

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11451, 27 February 1931, Page 6

REDS IN CANADA

PLEA FOR EXCHANGE OF COAL FOlt MACHINERY i U.P.A. bv Elec. Tel. Copyright) -MONTREAL, Feb. 25. Russia is anxious to exchange coal for Canadian agricultural machinery, and has made u definite offer, according to statement published in. the Montreal Star to-day, quoting the authority of Colonel Herbert J. Mao kie, a former Conservative member oi Parliament, who is acting as an intermediary of Soviet, officials in the negotiations.

1 he .inducements the Soviet authorities offer consist first ol £2,000,000 worth of orders lor Canadian agricultural machinery to be placed in the present year; and, second, an agreement to attend a conference! upon the broad problem of wheat marketing with a view to the elimination oi dumping. The only condition attached to the offer is that Canada unust accept Russian coal in part payment for machinery upon the basis ol one dollar’s worth of coal for every three dollars’ worth of machinery. “In all, this would mean accepting approximately £060,000 wortu ut coal,” Colonel Alackie stated. "The balance of the £2,000,000 would be payable in gold.” lie added that he had laid the proposals before the Premier, Air. IF D. Bennett, last week, and several sessions ot Cabinet were being held in connection with the matter. Colonel Alackiq disclaimed any personal Bolshevik sympathies, stating lie was simply presenting the offer iis a, business proposal, which should be decided on its merits and not by prejudice. He contended that in joint action by Russia and Canada, lay : tho solo hope of a solution oi‘ the present conditions oi the world wheat markets, and he scouted the danger of trading with the Soviet.

“Canada, and Russia must 2 e b together on the wheat question.” he said. “Wo must have a conference.