AIMS AT UNDERSTANDING ON POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC MATTERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17832, 28 April 1926, Page 15

AIMS AT UNDERSTANDING ON POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC MATTERS.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.--Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. BERLIN, April 26. The text of the Russo-German Treaty has been issued. It consists of four Articles. It begins by stating that both countries will do everything towards main tailing peace as they are convinced that the interests of the Russo-Ger-man peoples will necessitate intimate co-operation. The Articles provide:— (1) The basis of relations between the two Governments remains according to the Treaty of Rapallo. and they , will remain in friendly touch in order that each may have an understanding on political and economic questions. (2) Should one of the signatories, despite its peaceful attitude, be attacked by a third Power or several Powers, then the other signatory shall remain neutral throughout the entire conflict. (3) Ii a coalition of three Powers be formed with the object of imposing an economic or financial boycott against one of the signatories, the other will not join the coalition. (4) Five years before the expiry of the Treaty both parties will keep each other informed in regard to the further orientation of their political relations. In a covering letter to M. Krestinskv, the Soviet Ambassador, Dr Strese* mann emphasises that the Germans’ entry of the League of Nations cannot 'be an obstacle to the development of friendly Russo-German relations. The German Government was determined to assist in making the idea of the peace ful settlement of international disputes a reality. In the event of efforts contradicting this basic idea of peace being directed aginst Russia, then Germany would oppose them strongly’. The principles of German policy towards the Soviet cannot be influenced by Germany’s loyal adherence to obligations ensuing on its entry into the League. Concerning Articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant of the League on questions of sanctions which are applicable tc Russia only in the event of Russia warring against another country, the question of whether Russia is the attacker can be decided only with Germany’s full agreement. So the accusations of other countries will not be binding for Germany, if Germany is not convinced of their justification. The Reichstag Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously approved the Rus-so-German Treaty.