STRONG LINE BY RUSSIA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 94, 21 March 1939, Page 7

STRONG LINE BY RUSSIA

FISHERIES DISPUTE

LONDON, March 10.

“Russia has taken a most vigorous line in the- fisheries dispute with Japan, and will follow it, whatever Japan says or does,” declares Mr. Walter Duranty, a leading authority on Russian affairs in an article in the Spectator. “The important reason for this strengthening of Soviet policy,” adds Mr. Duranty, “is that the Soviet beleives that the Munich settlement relieved Russians of their old nightmare of a united capitalist onslaught. “This has enabled the Russians to turn their eyes to the East. The West is now Russia’s rear, and is protected. Their front faces to the east.

“They are consolidating their influence in Sinkiang, Outer Mongolia, and the Gobi Desert oases. In the squabble last July and August hosttilities ceased abruptly because neither wanted war. A similar incident to-day would he likely to produce a different result.

“Today,” says Mr. Duranty, “the Soviet is ‘turning the heat’ on Japan with a steady increase of pressure, which, doubtless, involves a corresponding degree of moral and material support for General Cliiang Kai-shek.”

It was announced on February 17 that- the Japanese Foreign Office had (instructed the Ambassador at Moscow : to press for an immediate settlement lof the fisheries dispute. Formerly 380 ■ fishing areas were available for the Japanese. Russia withdrew 40 areas for military reasons, and announced her intention to auction the remainder at jVladivistok on March 15.