SOVIET POLICY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 May 1927, Page 5

SOVIET POLICY

ENUNCIATED AT GENEVA

AT ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

INTEREST IN RUSSIAN

DELEGATES

(By EHutric Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received 9th May, 9.15 a.iu.) GENEVA, Bth May,

At the Economic Conference, the Soviet spokesman, Sckolnikoif, made a lengthy exposition of Russia’s internal economic situation, purporting to show improvement in agricultural and industrial conditions. The crux of the speech consisted of a declaration that tile Soviet was ready to co-operate with capitalistic countries whose better comprehension of the Soviet system would conduce to world peace. The Soviet's policy was the encouragement of productive investments. Alluding to reconstruction, he said the task was difficult, but success was assured. Russia with 20,000,000 peasant proprietors could develop without capitalistic. countries help. Nevertheless both could not exist in collaboration.

A Soviet delegate, Ossinski, urged that the Bolshevist system was the panacea, for all the world’s economic ills. He recommended cancellation of all war debts, increased wages for all industrial workers, the introduction of eight hours a day for all workers except miners, whose hours should be six. fullest liberty for trade unions, real measures of unemployment relief. and reform of the taxation system. lie further proposed a decrease of expenditure on armaments, abolition of all barriers against emigration, cancellation of the system of protectorates and mandates, suspension of all meas,uros of economic boycott, and restoration of relations with the Soviet. He urged that Russia should be enabled to obtain credits necessary for the country’s development in return for concessions granted to foreign capitalists. Ossinski demanded the withdrawal of troops from all colonies, the entire abolition of standing armies and navies, and the abandonment of attempts ro destroy institutions indissolubly linked with the Socialist system. M. Joliau commenting, said the Soviet speeches meant the Soviet bad abandoned its revolutionary policy, therefore co-operation with Russia was rendered possible. A Interest in the Soviet delegate’s appearance was so keen that many delegates clamoured for the rostrum to enable them to hear all the speeches.

FRENCH PROPOSAL CREATES GREAT INTEREST

(Received 9th May, 1.10 p.m.) LONDON, 9th May. The Australian Press Association Geneva correspondent states: “I am now in a position to say that all other considerations at the conference are overshadowed by a proposal put forward last week by the French workers’ delegate to the effect that a permanent economic council of eighteen members be created representing different economic interests to study questions it considers suited and place them on the agenda for special advisory conferences to be held from time to time. The resolution also provides for the creation of special technical conferences to frame international conventions on finance, industry, commerce, etc. ■ Though the French, workers’ delegate submitted the resolution it obviously emanated from the French Government, who are now engaged in actively canvassing for supporters.”

TRADE BARRIERS

(Received 9th May, 11.25 a.in.)

GENEVA, Bth May

M. Louchenr at the conference emphasised that the suppression of trade barriers by the establishment- of the United States of Europe was impossible. Lowering the barriers was possible only by measures which the Conference should recommend, including the suspension ol tariff rates, also increased production, if necessary adopting the American method.

M. Tlieunis proposed that the Conference congratulate tlio .Australian delegates and Government on the inauguration of Canberra, and this was adopted by acclamation.