LITTLE “BROTHERS”

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 382, 13 March 1937, Page 3

LITTLE “BROTHERS”

RUSSIA’S NEIGHBOURS, fl Dislike for Bolshevism. Riga (Latvia). Moscow’s denunciation of Japan and Germany for signing an agreement to combat Communism, which the Soviet Government alleges has a secret clause guaranteeing mutual aid in case of a conflict with Russia, has aroused great interest among Russia’s western neighbours (Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Poland), who have thus far avoided joining any combinations advanced by either Moscow or Berlin. The statement of the Japanese Foreign Minister, M. Arita, who blandly informed the Soviet Ambassador in Tokio this agreement should not be construed as directed against the Soviet Government, but was ajmed at Communism, has been classed by Baltic statesmen as a successful effort to turn the words of Bolshevik diplomats themselves. M. Arita emphasised Japan desired the best of relations with the Soviet Government, and he hoped they would improve. What concerned Communism did not apply to the Moscow protest, since, of course, the Soviet Government alleged it had nothing in common with the Communist International, and Japan did not think the activities of this body could effect Soviet-Japanese relations. The Soviet Press is incensed at the Japanese reply to their protest. Only Effective V/ay. In Finland, Estonia and Latvia there is not a trace of Communist agitation to-day. In Lithuania ana Poland the Moscow agents are more active. Recently in Lithuania they murdered two local police chiefs and attacked another. In Poland they are bard at stork boring from within the opposition parties to oust tne present leaden- and form a popular front to combat the Government. But it is only in Poland and Lithuania that the Comintern agents are dangerous. In liege countries the living standard is still low.

Baltic statesmen all agree the only effective way to combat Communism te to proscribe the Bolshevik party. In countries such as Germany and Italy, where this action was not taken. Fascist dictatorships developed. In Finland, Estonia and Latvia Fascist parties were rapidly growing- before the authorities took

radical action against the Reds. With the disappearance of the Communists' the Fascists also lost strength. The Baltic Press also points out it is" significant the countries nearest to Russia, which have had first-hand experience with Communism, 'to-day have conservative Government, despite 18 years of effort of the Communist International to popularise Lenin's dogmas. The better one knows Bolshevism, they say, the more one dislikes it. War on Communism. The. Japanese viewpoint is the same as the Baltic countries. They are also willing to have friendly relations with the Soviet Government, but they have all declared war against Communism. They have outlawed their Communist parties and have rejected suggestions if the Soviet Foreign Office to exchange their arrested Reds for their own imprisoned nationals. Diplomatic relations' between Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Poland on one side and Russia on the other are formal and cool. Activities of Soviat diplomats and their lavish entertainments in these countries have not awakened friendship. Russia's closest neighbours have informed her they can have no faith in her protested desires for peace so long as she continues to send agents- of the Communist International with well-filled pocketbooks into their countries to stir up trouble and conspire against their States. Since 1923 the Soviet Government has maintained a college in Moscow to educate agitators- for work in European countries. The graduating dasses, after being addressed by the leaders of the Communist International, have been sent abroad to work tor world revolution. In 12 years of ictivity the Comintern college has not produced a single graduate who has made a successful career in the country to which he was -assigned. The majority are In Baltic (prisons learning a trade. The few at liberty are in hiding, and many abaffdoned Communism the moment they crossed the frontiers, using their matriculation bonus and the Comintern’s funds to buy a small farm or open -a store.