THE SOVIET THREAT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20981, 18 September 1931, Page 12

THE SOVIET THREAT.

Sir, —Mr. Bloodworth states in ln's letter which appeared in your issue of September 16 that "the only way there would bo of breaking down Russia's" (eventual) "insistence on paying her debt to Britain in the shape of goods would l>a cither to get Russia to agree" (to such a method) "or to go in and take possession." That would appear to be an impracticable resource, and the idea suggests that the United States security for the debts owing her by Britain. Germany and other countries rests on thin ice. Sir. Bloodworth has studiously avoided committing himself by expressing his opinion as to what the effect payment in goods would have on Britain, but the mere fact of putting such a problem for those differing with him to solve carries with it the irresistible conclusion that he thinks that it would be injurious to Britain's interests. I would ask him if he thinks greater harm would be done to Britain, or her working people, by Russia sending her goods into Britain as progress payments on account of her debts, than by selling them to her, as Russia is now doing. As to payment in gold, Mr. Bloodworth says that the Soviet Government is using its spare gold "to enable her to raise the standard of living of the Russian people." (Britain has need of gold for quite as laudable a purpose.) But the standard- of international honour in observing such things as treaties, bonds and engagements is even of paramount importance, in my opinion, to the world at large. The raising of the standard of living presumably will cause an increase in the price of Russian products, and consequently will restrict the volume of Russian trade, rather than immensely increasing it, as Mr. Bloodworth supposes. John A. Beaus. Remuera. September 17, 1931.

Sir,—Mr. Bloodworth finds it hard to understand what fighting "was necessary to rescue Russia from Germany. Germany conquered Russia and extracted from her rulers a treaty which virtually made slaves of the Russian people. Tha only way left to Russia's former allies to rescue Russia was by continuing the fight on the Western front until Germany was beaten, and the war won by the Allies. When peacq was secured tha treaty was cancelled, and the Russians were freed. There should be difficult to understand about these facts. [1 lie Soviet is at war with civilisation, she is not content to try her Communistic work in her own country, but endeavours to stir up revolt against what she names "capitalism" in every country where sho has the opportunity to foment discontent and revolution. Repudiation of her just debts is an incidence of that declared war. That taken in conjunction with her methods of conducting her Five-Year Plan—with its practical enslavement of the bulk of her people—and her line of conduct to other nations, in my opinion, is ample reason for refusing to have any dealings with her till she alters her policy. Mr. Bloodworth thinks the only way to compel Russia to pay her debts is either "to cet Russia to agree, or to go in and take possession." I think a strict boycott by the civilised nations of the world would effect the purpose better, Mr. Bloodworth tolls us lie is not a worshipper of the Soviet or their system. He adds: "I am a Socialist, and it does not seem to me that Socialism and Sovietism are one and the same thing." The Socialist demands what the Soviet has taken, but is not able to achieve his ends by f ' >c samo unscrupulous means, because the bulk of the people in civilised count:irs are educated, and accustomed to a stand aid of living that the realisation of the Socialist dream would rob them of. So the Soviet methods are barred for the present, and the more insidious methods of the politician must be used. But the root doctrines and aims of the Socialist and the Communist are the same. Mr. Meldruin seos no harm in our buying Russian matches; if we bought all outmatches from Russia we should close our match manufactories and add the present employees to the unemployed; and if Britain bought the butter, cheese, etc., she now buys from New Zealand "from Russia instead, I suppose Mr. Meldium would be quite satisfied ? But it would not suit. J. Thornes. 231, Parnell Road.