SOVIET AIMS

Grey River Argus, 23 October 1939, Page 8

SOVIET AIMS

VERSION FROM MOSCOW To Weaken Imperialisms PROPAGANDA WITHIN. BRITISH EXIT FROM INDIA SOUGHT. I Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l (Received October 22. 7.30 p.m.' NEW YORK, October 22. A dispatch from Mr. G. E. R. Gedye, Moscow correspondent of the “New York Times,” states: The key to Russian foreign policy is unchanged. It is Soviet distrust of the capitalist Governments, especially of Britain and France. Only an acceptance of this interpretation will enable one to understand the Soviet aims, which are centred on pursuing an opportunist present policy, with the object of securing Russia against an imagined general onslaught by the Western Powers. On the one hand. Russia is establishing outposts to defend the frontiers. On the other hand, Russia is seeking to weaken the imperialisms, from within, by means of her pacific propaganda, which is being pursued in Germany equally as it is in Britain and in France. Russia is fearing a con ference from which she would be excluded. She is playing a role directed at obtaining a leading voice at a conference at which she would seek to force Britain to relinquish India; Japan to relinquish China; and Germany to relinquish Poland ana Czechoslovakia. This policy represents a reinsurance against a possible turning of a premature peace against Russia. Russia's primary interest is the continuation of the war. The extent to which her aims may stretch cannot be predicted. Sooner or later, Russia certainly will demand the R.uthenian Ukrainians from Hungary, giving a common frontier foi’ Czechoslovakia, whose eventual liberation Russia expects.

The Soviet fears that there might be a French and British rapprochement with Japan, which undoubtedly would follow if there is hostile Russian activity on India’s frontiers Any signs of a military dictatorship or a Conservative Government in Germany, with whom France and Britain might sign peace would precipitate Russian action against Germany. Meanwhile, save for the slight possibility of her entering a conflict over Finland. Russia is likely to concentrate on consolidating her new outposts in Poland.